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COLONEL TWELFTH REGIMENT R. I. VOLUNTEERS. 



V\ho(ie. •i-b\a'c\<i m^nuvj, . 



HISTORY 



OF 



The Twelfth Regiment 



Rhode Island Volunteers 



THE CIVIL WAR 



i 86 2- 1 863 



Prepared by a Committee of the Survivors, 
in 1901-4 






Snow & Farnham, Printers and Publishers 
Providence, R. I. 

•Li Qllfci 

15 0*04 



The Committee appointed to prepare this History con- 
sisted of the following; named members of the Regiment, 
viz. : 

PARDON E. TILLINGHAST, 
JAMES SHAW, 
C. HENRY ALEXANDER, 
GEORGE A. SPINK, 
OSCAK LAPHAM, 
MUNSON H. NAJAC, 
DANIEL R. BALLOU, 
LUTHER COLE, 
ARNOLD F. SALISBURY, 
EDWIN H. TILLEY, 
THEODORE A. MANCHESTER, 
JOSEPH W. GRANT,. 
WALTER A. SCOTT, 
FRANCISCO M. BALLOU. 

The Committee organized by the election of Pardon E. 
Tillinghast, Chairman, and Munson H. Najac, Secretary. 



COMPILER'S PREFACE 



Although forty years have elapsed since the Twelfth 
Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers was mustered out 
of the military service of the United States, no permanent 
history of the part which it took in the Civil War has yet 
been written. Many, if not most, of the other regiments 
and military organizations which went forth from this 
State have put into enduring form a record of their deeds 
and experiences while in the service of their country. And 
a goodly number of the survivors of the Twelfth Regiment 
now feel that they owe it to the memory of the many who 
have departed this life, as well as to the honor of the few 
who still remain, to do likewise. 

Animated by this feeling, a committee was appointed, at 
the annual reunion of the surviving members of the regi- 
ment held in August, 1901, to prepare and publish a his- 
tory of the regiment, and that committee hereinafter pre- 
sents the result of its labors. 

It is true that the brief term of service of the Twelfth, 
by comparison with the longer terms of several Rhode 
Island regiments, may seem small, yet the service it ren- 
dered during its ten months in the field was high up in the 
scale of active duty and efficiency with that of the veteran 



yi PREFACE 

regiments to which it was attached. That it performed its 
service with the same degree of patience, courage, self- 
sacrifice, and patriotism which signally characterized that 
of the other Rhode Island regiments, will not be questioned 
by the impartial critic. 

The Twelfth was a nine-months regiment, but it re- 
mained in the service for fully ten months. 

The Hon. William Sprague was governor of our State 
when the regiment was formed, and by his superior execu- 
tive ability and ardent patriotism he caused to be brought 
together and duly officered and equipped a thousand or 
more men, who, like the other military organizations from 
this State, which he had been so instrumental in placing 
on a war footing, rendered valiant service in upholding and 
defending the honor and integrity of the nation. 

He appointed Hon. George H. Browne, of Glocester, who 
at the time was a member of Congress from this State, to 
the office of colonel of the regiment ; and a more upright, 
conscientious, broad-minded and patriotic leader it would 
have been very difficult to find. It is true he was not 
versed in military science, but he was possessed of those 
qualities of mind and heart which made him a most popu- 
lar and acceptable commander. And, with the efficient aid 
of Lieut.-Col. James Shaw, Jr., who was an officer of very 
superior skill and knowledge in military tactics and affairs, 
the regiment had all of the advantages necessary to a suc- 
cessful career. 

The praise which was bestowed upon the regiment in the 
formal and official orders which appear in the following 
history, from commanders occupying high positions, show 



PEEFACE Vll 

the character and standing attributed to it by those who 
were best competent to judge. 

Although the services which fell to the lot of the regi- 
ment to perforin were especially trying and exacting to 
new beginners, yet they cheerfully and manfully accepted 
the situation and, by strict obedience to orders and the 
faithful discharge of whatever duty was imposed upon 
them, showed that they were of the stun of which good 
soldiers are made. This fact is well illustrated in many of 
the trying vicissitudes related in the following history, but 
perhaps in no one of them more signally than in the 
famous march of the regiment from Nicholasville to James- 
town, Kentucky, a distance of fully one hundred miles, 
which it made in six days under a broiling sun and over 
dusty roads. And when the arms were stacked and the 
roll was called, at the end of that never-to-be-forgotten 
journey, every man was found to be at his post. 

Probably few regiments covered more miles on foot, 
during the same length of time, than did the Twelfth. 
Notably, during the spring and summer of 1863, although 
footsore and sweltering under a tropical sun, the regiment, 
scarcely without rest, was chasing the ubiquitous guerilla 
Morgan up and down the State of Kentucky to head off 
his threatened raids across the Ohio. Indeed, so constantly 
was it on the march, from one point to another, that it 
came to be familiarly known as " The Trotting Twelfth." 

The history which the committee has prepared is a com- 
posite one. Each contributor has in his own way related 
the experiences, and characterized the services rendered by 
the regiment from his own standpoint, and has added 



yiii PKEFACE 

thereto such personal incidents and reminiscences as 
seemed to him pertinent and proper in connection there- 
with. That there will be more or less repetition in a his- 
tory thus made up is evident. But while this must be so,. 
it does not necessarily follow that the narrative as given 
by each will not be both interesting and useful , for while 
it may be similar in a general way, yet each one, having 
witnessed the transaction from a different standpoint, is 
able to add variety and interest thereto. 

Part First of the work has been prepared by Private 
Joseph W. Grant, of Company F, who kept a daily record 
of the doings of the regiment while it was in the service, 
and who was therefore specially qualified for the task 
which the committee assigned to him. I feel sure that the 
diligence and care with which he has performed his task 
will be highly appreciated by all of his comrades, and also 
that the product of his assiduous labors will be both inter- 
esting and useful to the general reader. Comrade Grant 
has strongly fortified the positions taken by him relating 
to the part which the regiment took in the battle of Fred- 
ericksburg by adding numerous general orders of com- 
manders high in authority relating to that terrible battle. 

Part Second is a narrative of the regiment from Jan. 8, 
1863, to July 17, 1863, carefully compiled by Lieut. Daniel 
R. Ballou from letters of Lieut.-Col. James Shaw, Jr., writ- 
ten to his wife during the time that he was with the regi- 
ment. This compilation gives a very full and accurate 
account of the doings and experiences of the regiment 
from the time when Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw joined it 
until it was mustered out of the service. 



PREFACE IX 



Part Third consists of a paper which is a digest of a series 
of army letters written by Rev. Charles M. Winchester, 
lieutenant in Company B, to the Providence Press, under 
the nom-de-plume of " Minnick." It is full of interesting 
incidents and experiences, and is written in a style which 
is characteristic of the genius, raciness, and good taste of 
the author, who was highly beloved and respected by all 
his comrades. 

Part Third also contains interesting personal reminis- 
cences by Theodore A. Manchester, of Company B, 
and a contribution from Theodore F. Dexter, of Com- 
pany F, which latter contribution contains, amongst other 
things, an account of his thrilling and never-to-be-forgotten 
experience, while in the Quartermaster's Department, in 
a lively brush with a detachment of Morgan's forces at 
Green River, Kentucky, also contributions from Comrades 
Edward F. Gurry and Walter A. Scott, of Company F. 

Part Fourth contains papers relating to the regiment, 
prepared and read on various occasions since the war by 
members of the regiment, and now brought together and 
published in permanent form. Amongst these papers will 
be found full and graphic accounts by Capt. Oscar Lap- 
ham and Lieut, Daniel R. Ballou of the part which the 
regiment took in the bloody strife at Fredericksburg in 
December, 1862. 

Comrade Erastus Richardson, quartermaster's clerk, who 
was the poet of the regiment, and who, since the war, has 
treated his surviving comrades to a number of racy and 
beautiful specimens of his production, has kindly permitted 
us to publish some of them in our History. 



PREFACE 



Part Fifth contains personal sketches of Col. George H. 
Browne, Lieut.-Col. James Shaw, Jr., Maj. Cyrus G. Dyer, 
Surgeon Benoni Carpenter, and Chaplain Samuel W. Field. 

Part Sixth contains the roster of the regiment, to- 
gether with a concise index, and a list of organizations that 

are mentioned in the work. 

P. E. T. 




Lieut.-Col. James Shaw, Jr. 



CONTENTS 



PART FIRST 

Reminiscences and Official Orders. Compiled by 



Joseph W. Grant 



PART SECOND 

A Narrative of the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteer 
Infantry in the Civil War from January 8, 1863, 
to July 17, 1863. Compiled by Col. Daniel R. Ballou 
from Letters of Gen. James Shaw, Jr. . . . 135 

Reminiscences of the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteer 
Infantry from its Organization to the Recrossino 
of the Rappahannock after the Battle of Fred- 
ericksburg. By Col. Daniel R. Ballou . . . 163 

Reminiscences of the Twelfth Rhode Island Volun- 
teers — From Falmouth to Kentucky. By Col. 
Daniel R. Ballou 180 

PART THIRD 

Memories and Memoranda of the Twelfth Rhode Island 
Regiment in General and Company B in Particu- 
lar. By the Rev. Charles M. Winchester, formerly 
Second Lieutenant of Company B 197 

Personal Reminiscences. By Theodore A. Manchester 214 
Reminiscences. By Edward F. Gurry .... 223 
A Personal Reminiscence. By Theodore F. Dexter . 225 
Reminiscences. By Walter A. Scott .... 231 



Xll 



CONTENTS 



PART FOURTH 

Reminiscences op Service with the Twelfth Rhode 

Island Volunteers. By Pardon E. Tillinghast . 237 

Recollections of Service in the Twelfth Regiment 

Rhode Island Volunteers. By Capt. Oscar Lapham 261 

Verses Read at the Annual Reunion of the Twelfth 
Rhode Island Volunteers at Rocky Point, Aug. 7, 
1894. By Erastus Richardson 279 

The Lamentations of the Chaplain of the Twelfth 
Rhode Island Volunteers. Recited at the Annual 
Reunion Aug. 3, 1897. By Erastus Richardson . 283 

Face to Face with Time. Verses read at the Twentieth 
Reunion of the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers 
at Crescent Park, Aug. 4, 1903. By Erastus Rich- 
ardson 291 



PART FIFTH 

Personal Sketches: 

Col. George Huntington Browne .... 303 

Lieut.-Col. James Shaw, Jr. 304 

Major Cyrus G. Dyer 306 

Surgeon Benoni Carpenter 307 

Chaplain Samuel Wheeler Field .... 308 

PART SIXTH 

Roster of the Twelfth Regiment Rhode Island Volun- 
teers .......... 311 

Index 389 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



''Col. George H. Browne . 
/ Lieut.-Col. James Shaw, Jr. 
f Major Cyrus G. Dyer 

* Surgeon Benoni Carpenter 
Chaplain Samuel W. Field 

/ Lieut. John L. Clarke (Quartermaster) 
/Capt. James M. Longstreet 

Lieut. Albert W. Delanah 
' Lieut. Luther Cole, Jr. 

Capt. Edward S. Cheney 
I Lieut. John S. Roberts . 
' Lieut. Joseph C. Whiting, Jr. 
/ Capt. George A. Spink . 
/ Lieut. Munson H. Najac . 
/ Capt. William E. Hubbard 

^ From a recent picture 
J Lieut. Francisco M. Ballou 

y From a recent picture 
/ Capt. James H. Allen 

Lieut. George Bucklin 
^ Capt. John P. Abbott 
■ Lieut. George F. Bicknell 
/ Lieut. Henry M. Tillinghast 
-i Capt. Oliver H. Perry 

* Lieut. Arnold F. Salisbury 

* Capt. C. Henry Alexander 
v Lieut. Daniel R. Ballou . 
/ Lieut. Fenner H. Peckham, Jr. 

* Lieut. Charles M. Winchester 
f Theodore A. Manchester 



Opposite 



. Fi 


•ontispiece 


page xi 


of Preface 


Opposite page 


15 


u 




25 


u 




43 


c; 




47 
53 


u 




57 


a 




61 


u 




69 


u 




73 


(( 




77 


u 




83 


u 




91 


a 




97 


u 




313 


a 




103 


u 




317 


U 




107 


u 




111 


u 




113 


u 




117 


U 




125 


a 




131 


a 




139 


u 




149 


u 




163 


c< 




187 


u 


u 


197 


it 


u 


215 



XIV 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Edward F. Gurry . 

Theodore F. Dexter 

Walter A. Scott 
'' Quartermaster Sergt. Pardon E. Tillinghast 
7 Capt. Oscar Lapham 
1 Erastus Richardson 
v Joseph W. Grant, in uniform 
Island State Militia . 
/ From a recent picture 
v Edwin H. Tilley . 



Opposite page 223 

" " 225 

" 281 

" 237 

" " 261 

" " 279 



as captain of Rhode 



291 
3 

347 



v Camp Stevens, Providence, R. I. 
I Map of Battlefield of Fredericksburg 
Crossing the River in Pontoons . 
Location of Upper Pontoon Bridges nearly opposite 
Lacy House ....... 

> Water Street, looking north, our position on morn- 
ing of Dec. 13, 1862 

/ Steamboat Landing, foot of Water Street (Wash- 
ington farm in the distance) . 
Stevens House, 1902, better known as "Cobb 
House," on Sunken Road, foot of Marye's 
Hill, near Cobb's Monument . 



Opposite page 7 

'< 21 

« « 29 

« " 33 

" " 37 

" 173 



/ 



Sunken Road, Marye's House on Hill 



Strutton House, better known as the Brick House . 
Sunken Road, north of Stevens House . 
Brompton, better known as Marye's House, General 
Longstreet's Headquarters .... 
Battle Flag of the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers 



181 
205 
249 
269 

273 

389 



PART FIRST 




Joseph W. Grant. 

(From a recent picture.) 



REMINISCENCES AND OFFICIAL ORDERS 



COMPILED BY 

JOSEPH W. GRANT 



. . . On what condition stands it, and wherein f 

Even in condition of the worst degree, — 

In gross rebellion, and detested treason. . . . " 

King Richard II. 



''With the election of Abraham Lincoln as President Nov. 7, 
1860, the rebellion of the Southern States may be said to have 
begun as the work of organizing the Confederacy assumed defi- 
nite shape from that date. . . . 

"Jefferson Davis was inaugurated President of the Confed- 
erate States of America Feb. 18, 1861, and three days later Gen- 
eral Twiggs of the United States army surrendered 6,000 men 
and |1,200,000 worth of property to the State of Texas. . . . 

"The day after the surrender of Fort Sumter April 15th, 
President Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 men 
to volunteer for three months. . . . On April 16th, the day 
after the President's proclamation, Governor Sprague issued an 
order for the organization of the First Regiment of Infantry, 

"This was accomplished so promptly that on April 20th the 
first detachment left Providence under command of Col. Ambrose 
E. Burnside, and the second on April 24th, under command of 
Lieut.-Col. Joseph S. Pitman. . . . Call after call for troops 
followed in rapid succession and drafts were ordered in most if 
not all of the loyal states. 



4 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

"The demand for men by the government was continuous and 
imperative. . . ." 1 

In the book edited by Edwin W. Stone, in 1864, entitled Rhode 
Island in the Rebellion, the situation which prevailed at the time 
of the call for nine months' volunteers, is described by a member 
of the Eleventh Regiment (see page 345) as follows: "Various 
causes combined to promote enlistments for the nine months' 
regiments in the fall of 1862. The disastrous issue of McOlel- 
lan's Campaign on the Peninsula had impressed on every loyal 
mind the need of new sacrifices and of more strenuous efforts. 
Still, under the delusion that the failures of the Army of the 
Potomac were caused by inadequacy of force, the North believed 
that overwhelming numbers of troops must be at once mustered 
to prevent yet more fatal calamities. The timid gladly offered 
exhortations and money in order to hasten volunteering which 
was to avoid the necessity of a draft. The short term of service 
attracted many, whom duties at home . . . forbade to enter 
for the longer period, on the duties of the soldier. . . ." 

The influence of the press and the pulpit all over the North 
also contributed largely towards the immediate enrollment of 
thousands in answer to the urgent call for more men. The 
rapidity with which men came forward for enlistment in Rhode 
Island resulted in the formation of two full regiments of one 
thousand men each, in a remarkably short period of time. 

The Eleventh Rhode Island Infantiw commencing to recruit 
early in September, left the State for the front on October 6th. 
The Twelfth commenced its recruiting a little later in the month, 
and, on the 18th of October, was mustered in, and left for the 
front on the 21st. 

In this regiment could be found men from all the varied walks 
of life. The laborer from the fields of the country and the 
streets of the city, the artist from his studio, the mechanic 
from his shop, the collegian Avho had laid aside his books, the 
farmer owning his broad acres, the lawyer from his clients, the 
doctor from his patients, and the merchant and manufacturer 
from their stores and their mills. 



« From a history edited by Edward Field A. B., published in 1902, entitled 
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation*, at the end of the century. 
Vol. I, Chapter XXIT, page 376. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS O 

The intelligent boy much under the age required by strict in- 
terpretation of military rule, but well developed, was enabled to 
find a rating and he was also present with us in the ranks, at- 
tired in the uniform of the soldier and pledged to support, 
through weal or woe his country's cause. 

The writer enlisting on the 16th day of September, on the 
22d reported at Camp Stevens, Providence, R. L, for duty, and, 
on the 13th day of October, as a member of Company F, Twelfth 
Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, was mustered into the ser- 
vice of the United States. 

Has any of us forgotten his first lesson in camp life and mili- 
tary discipline as inaugurated at the "old Dexter Training 
Ground?" With what interest we would fall into line and listen 
for the orders : "Attention ! Company !" "In Two Ranks !" 
"Right Face!" "File Right!" "March!" 

After the duties of the day were over with what enjoyment we 
would listen to the jokes and comments concerning our situa- 
tion, present and prospective, relieved by an occasional song from 
Sergeant Lindsey of Company F, or a grand old piece of sacred 
melody as rendered by Comrade Kimball. 

What a magnificent specimen of the "fine old Irish gentleman" 
we always had before us for contemplation in the person of Com- 
rade Houlahan, and, as a light weight, what other member of the 
regiment could compare in continuous resistance to real or 
imaginary wrongs with Comrade Monaghan, the redoubtable 
Cornelius. 

Who of us will ever forget our rations of "pea soup" and a 
certain beverage, generously supplied under the name of "cof- 
fee," — a liquid of very peculiar odor and color, supposed at the 
time, by some of the more curious who investigated, to have been 
the medium wherein our supervisors, medical and surgical, en- 
deavored to eliminate from the system all things relating to civil 
life. — that we might the sooner become the full-fledged soldier. 
And with what success we can all bear witness as we call to 
mind the extraordinary developments resulting therefrom. 
What subsequent manoeuvres could be compared with those pre- 
vailing at this time all along the line? Here upon Camp Stevens 
who could fail to discern the unmistakable evidence of the ele- 
ment belligerent, and tactics "Killkennv," which, under the in- 



6 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

fluence of military restraint and discipline, rapidly developed? 
At first we could hear the occasional low, subdued, suggestive 
roar, increasing in volume until later, at the camp near Fairfax 
Seminary, — fully developed, the Lion's den became an estab- 
lished institution. How fresh in memory we call tu mind our 
honored colonel, as, booted and spurred, he assumed command 
of the regiment at Camp Stevens. How vividly we call to mind 
Sergeant Lindsey of Company F, with improvised sabre, giving 
an illustration of Colonel Browne's impressive presence, and 
unique and vigorous action. 

It was generally understood that the volunteer was to receive 
his bounty before leaving the State. The boys of the Eleventh 
received theirs accordingly. But the promptness of the paymas- 
ter, though very satisfactor} T to the boys, proved to be not alto- 
gether satisfactory to the authorities, as a number of the men, 
taking advantage of the opportunity afforded in transit to the 
front, dropped out and disappeared. After this experience it 
was resolved to postpone the payment of the bounty due the 
Twelfth regiment until after their arrival at the front. This be- 
ing decided upon, it was so announced to the regiment while un- 
der review at Camp Stevens, by our colonel, together with the 
information that we were to proceed at once and take trans- 
portation. By a large majority of the regiment this information 
was received with enthusiasm and without question, and when 
the order to "march." immediately following this announcement 
was given, it was responded to promptly and with cheers, as 
rapidly we moved to our point of embarkation. Quite a number 
of disaffected ones, however, dropped out of the ranks to consider 
more fully before leaving the State, this suspension of payment. 

It was not at all surprising that some display of insubordina- 
tion, the cause of which came unexpectedly and without con- 
sideration, should thus have manifested itself. To many of our 
comrades, turning from their homes for long, weary months, — 
perhaps forever — leaving anxious and needy relatives, this sus- 
pension of payment proved a grievous disappointment. We 
were powerless to assuage the grief of anxious, loving hearts, and 
many of us were now equally unable to provide for those slighter 
comforts which might have been imparted by the possession of 
the promised bounty. 




X 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS ( 

By threatening the "bounty jumper," however, who was dis- 
covered and held up for inspection, and conciliating the honest 
and well disposed, who were soon led to see the necessity of the 
measure, the authorities rapidly gathered together this install- 
ment of delinquents who were forwarded in due time and 
arrived to join us at Camp Chase. 

As before stated, leaving somewhat reluctantly our com- 
rades to consider the change in the programme concerning boun- 
ties we arrived at our point of embarkation and between the 
hours of six and seven p. m. on the 21st of October, the first con- 
tingent of the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers was safely 
aboard the cars en route for the front. At 9.30 we arrived at 
Groton, boarded the steamer Plymouth Rock, and, at eleven were 
moving down the Sound. A heavy blow from the south pre- 
vailed throughout the night changing to the northeast at day- 
break, and at sunrise the sky was perfectly clear. We arrived 
in Jersey City at eight a. m., and, embarking on the steamer 
Kill Von Kull, at ten o'clock steamed toward Elizabethport. 

Passing Staten Island we received our first ovation. The 
streets and grounds, also the tops of many of the buildings, were 
thronged with people, all intent on their kindly greetings, wav- 
ing flags and handkerchiefs, and loudly cheering as we passed 
along. 

Responding to our country's call, 
What inspiration we receive, 
As strangers ceasing from their toil, 
Give cheers and kindly words 
To help us on. 

While leaving friends and home behind 

We journey on, 
Who but can feel, within his breast, 
That what betide, in comradeship, 
He may be spared the fate, 
That may await, in battle's crash, 
And once more see his native hills, 
Illumined by the gilded rays 

Of lasting peace. 

We arrived at Elizabethport about twelve m. and left at three 
p. m. en route by rail for Baltimore by way of Harrisburg, halted 
at Phillipsburgh and at Easton; passed through Reading in the 



o HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

night, and the next morning found ourselves close by Harris- 
burg, and at sunrise on the morning of the 23d, entered the city. 
We left the cars here, formed in the street for roll-call, and, im- 
mediately after returning to our places, continued our journey. 

The road we found to be strictly guarded long before we came 
to Baltimore, passing detachment after detachment on picket, 
who cheered as we went past. We arrived in Baltimore just at 
nightfall Thursday evening. Leaving the cars, the regiment 
formed, and proceeded through the streets of the city to our 
resting-place for the night. While on our way we halted at the 
special rendezvous established for soldiers, unslung knapsacks, 
and paid our respects to a generous collation of coffee, bread, 
beef, ham, tongue, etc.; after which we slung knapsacks, marched 
to the depot and camped for the night upon the floor. The fol- 
lowing morning at six o'clock we turned out for roll-call, and, 
the regiment forming, we proceeded to our rendezvous of the 
night before, received our breakfast, reformed our ranks, and, 
marching about the city, visited the Washington monument and 
also the monument erected in 1815 in commemoration of those 
who, on the 13th and 14th of September, 1814, fell in Fort Mc- 
Henry and on the field while in the defence of Baltimore from 
the attacks of the British. 

During a short halt of the regiment at the latter place an in- 
cident occurred that reminded me quite forcibly of the reception 
the Sixth Massachusetts received and of the ill-feeling still exist- 
ing there. For instance, a man whom the writer supposed to be 
a citizen of Baltimore, approached. Informing him as to where 
we hailed from, in response to his inquiry, he sneeringly retorted 
and volunteered to inform us that as soon as we arrived where 
the foe could lay their hands on us, we were doomed, — and that 
speedily — to disastrous and ignominious defeat. At this point 
our interview was broken by our departure from this locality, 
and our interviewer was left to enjoy the anticipation of our 
soon being at the mercy of his loving friends in Dixie. 

Returning to the depot we finally boarded the cars en route 
for Washington. At frequent intervals along the road the camp- 
fires of the picket station lighted up our train as we slowly pro- 
gressed on our way We finally reached the great Capitol at 
eleven p. m. on the night of the 24th of October. We proceeded 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 9 

immediately to quarters assigned us, unslung knapsacks, and 
marched about forty rods to the "Soldiers' Retreat" where we 
found rations awaiting us. After a most determined onslaught 
upon the collation we returned to our quarters, and, at one a. m., 
turned in. 

The writer was hoping we might remain in "Washington two or 
three days, at least, but was disappointed. We afterwards found 
that the Twelfth Rhode Island was not destined to remain long 
in any one place, and, accordingly, the following morning at 
eleven o'clock, we were called upon to move on. 

Passing down Pennsylvania Avenue we formed in line oppo- 
site General Casey's headquarters, gave him three rousing cheers 
and at twelve o'clock passed on to "Long Bridge'' and across the 
Potomac. This day (the 25th of October) was remarkably 
warm, and the streets and highways were very dusty; and the 
halt we made when about a mile from the river, was a relief most 
fully appreciated; after which we continued our march for about 
one mile farther, when, filing to the right we left the road, and, 
forming our camp upon an eminence within sight of the dome of 
the Capitol, pitched our tents in time to shelter us from the rain, 
which, the next day, Sunday the 26th, poured in torrents, con- 
tinuing throughout the day and night. In one of the tents as- 
signed to Company F we had about twenty-two in number, and 
among them we had two unlucky members, one of whom the 
writer will call Corp. Eugene M. Thain, of Company F, the other. 
Private Arnold Jenckes, of Company F, who located for the night 
immediately in the centre of the tent directly under the cap. 
This cap is a circular piece of canvas peculiar to the Sibley tent. 
ingeniously contrived for the purpose of ventilation, is easily 
adjusted by means of ropes that hang upon the outside within 
easy reach, and the aperture which it covers could be closed en- 
tirely or left partially or wholly open at the pleasure of the oc- 
cupants. As it happened, we had quite a gale of wind through- 
out the night, and the cap not being properly adjusted, blew off 
and the rain came down upon the above mentioned comrades, 
who turned out in the morning in a somewhat dilapidated con- 
dition. 

Monday the 27th, at noon, the storm ceased, the sun came out, 
we dried our blankets, and, on Tuesday, repitched our tents in 



10 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

regular order. Here we were brigaded under Colonel Wright, 
in Casey's division, of the army of the defences of Washington, 
and received our arms — the right and left companies of the regi- 
ment received tbe improved Springfield rifles; the balance of the 
regiment the old Springfield smooth bore. 

Sunday, November 2d, we received orders to march, packed 
knapsacks, and, at eleven a. m., bade farewell to Camp Chase. 

Our route of march lay along the highway to the south, up a 
hill and in the direction of Fairfax Seminary. We passed the 
Seminary buildings at twelve m. They stood upon an eminence, 
almost hidden from view by the thick growth of surrounding 
trees, and were objects of interest to us, as being early associated 
with leading events at the beginning of the conflict. 

Six miles to the north, and partly in view, was the Capitol, and 
from here also the course of the Potomac could be discerned for 
many miles as it bore away to the south and east of us. A short 
distance southeast of the Seminary on the left of the highway as 
we descended the hill, we passed a small park or common. This 
common was then utilized as a burial place for Union soldiers, — 
each grave having a neat marker with the name of the deceased, 
and the regiment and company to which he belonged inscribed 
thereon. 

Continuing along half a mile farther, we left the highway, tiled 
to the right up a short, steep incline, and, at two p. m., formed 
our camp and pitched our tents upon the summit of an eminence 
on a level space directly between two fine large houses, — the oc- 
cupants of which had left this beautiful situation to be occupied 
by our troops, and their buildings to be used as quarters for our 
officers and hospitals for our sick and wounded soldiers. The 
highway from Fairfax Seminary passed in front, and at only a 
few rods distance from us on the side of the hill, — our camp fac- 
ing it towards the east. The city of Alexandria was about a 
mile and a half also to the east of us and partly in view. 

The great highway from Alexandria to Fairfax Court House 
and Manassas passed our camp, running nearly east and west, 
and at a distance of not more than fifty rods to the south at right 
angles with the highway, passing our camp from the north which 
entered it at this point. 

This thoroughfare was lined with ambulances, baggage wag- 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 11 

ons, and other vehicles. Our anxiety led ns to immediately in- 
vestigate concerning this remarkable output of ambulances, im- 
plying that it must be decidedly unhealthy out towards Manas- 
sas, and, as it looked as though we might be called upon to take 
a run out that way, we naturally felt uneasy. Investigation, 
however, served to dispel our fears in some measure, and revealed 
the gratifying fact that an immense camp had been established 
at Alexandria for convalescent soldiers, and that these ambu- 
lances were employed in bringing in the sick and disabled from 
all points, thus relieving the army at the front of a great burden 
and placing them where they could receive the attention neces- 
sary to speedy recovery. 

Having arrived at a solution of this somewhat startling prob- 
lem, we proceeded to examine more fully the interesting features 
of this panorama spread out before us from this remarkably fine 
outlook. 

The railroad from Alexandria to Richmond, by way of Fred- 
ericksburg, was a half-mile or more south of our camp, and ran 
parallel with the wagon road for two miles, bearing away farther 
to the south as it ascended the hills in the distance. The trains 
were running night and day carrying re-enforcements and stores 
to the front. Those roads were in full view of our camp for three 
or four miles. We could see the trains as they started from 
Alexandria, and as they continued their way far to the west of 
us. The level space occupied by us on this elevated point cov- 
ered an area of perhaps six or seven acres. 

Our tents were pitched upon the southern point, and those of 
another regiment alongside, and, at the north of us, and at an 
elevation of perhaps two hundred feet above the level of the Po- 
tomac, which coursed along in full view of our camp. 

Across a valley to the northwest, and perhaps half a mile dis- 
tant, was Fort Worth, and to the south of this fort, upon the 
wagon road was Clouds Mills, so often referred to during the 
earlier period of the Rebellion. Our camp on the south and west 
was bounded by a bluff, up and down the steep side of which 
we picked our way to and from the valley where a fine stream of 
water coursed its way, supplied from springs located in the im- 
mediate vicinity, and south of the Seminary buildings. The 
Seminary, Fort Worth and our camp were all on about the same 



12 



HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 



elevation, forming a half-circle; the Seminary at the north, our 
camp on the southeastern, and Fort Worth on the southwestern 
point. Taking into consideration the surroundings and associa- 
tions connected with the situation, a more pleasant or interest- 
ing place for our camp could not have been selected. 

Monday, November 3d, the next day after forming our camp, 
we packed knapsacks and had our first experience in picket duty. 
Companies F and G were detailed for that purpose, and, at half 
past eight in the morning, we moved down the hills, filed to the 
right, passed Clouds Mills at nine, and continued on as far as 
Bailey's Cross-Koads, a locality, the name of which we were all 
familiar with before leaving home, through the columns of our 
papers. Here passing this locality our forces had marched and 
countermarched, and at this place we halted, established our 
quarters and posted our pickets. 

The following day at eleven o'clock, the reserve formed in line 
to receive the new "guard," who in turn relieved our pickets, and 
at twelve we started for camp, arriving at two p. m. Our camp 
was named Camp Casey, near Fairfax Seminary. Alongside of 
us were also encamped the Fifteenth Connecticut and the Thir- 
teenth New Jersey, our regiment occupying the centre. Fifty of 
our regiment were detailed November 7th as "Knights of the 
Pick and Shovel"' to do fatigue duty at Fort Blenker. The 
"Knights" went out, accordingly, but soon returned, driven in 
by the storm, which commenced the evening of the 6th, and, by 
ten a. m. on the 7th, we found ourselves in the midst of an old 
fashioned New England snowstorm. The wind howled a gale, 
the air was very cold, and the snow whirling about made our sit- 
uation very uncomfortable, especially to those on guard and ex- 
posed to its fury. 

From November 8th to the 12th nothing of unusual interest 
occurred, our time being taken up in drill and in other necessary 
duties connected with camp life. November 12th our colonel re- 
ceived orders to have the entire regiment in readiness early the 
next day for picket duty. The roll of drums at six o'clock on the 
morning of the 13th aroused many a drowsy soldier of the 
Twelfth and interrupted many a pleasant dream of home, 
awakening him to the stern reality of other duties and associa- 
tions. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS IS 

At eight o'clock we formed in the company streets and at 
8.30 our respective companies passed Colonel Wright's headquar- 
ters. The regiment formed for guard, — mounting directly in 
front of his residence, executed the manoeuvres, listened to the 
music from the brigade band, and, at 8.45, filing into the high- 
way and taking the direction of Fairfax Court House, were . 
fairly on our way. 

After passing Clouds Mills and ascending the hills beyond, 
we came to a halt. The regiment was divided into companies of 
one hundred and eight each. These divisions were named sup- 
ports and numbered first, second, third, etc. This arrangement 
being made, we continued our march, and, at eleven a. m., found 
ourselves at the end of our journey. Here we found good shelter 
awaiting us, gladly vacated by the Twenty-seventh New Jersey, 
who turned out to receive us upon our arrival. Here our sup- 
ports were subdivided into three reliefs of thirty-six men, each 
relief to remain on duty four hours; the first going on to be re- 
lieved by the second, and the second by the third, thus giving each 
relief eight hours at the general rendezvous. Immediately after 
the formation of our reliefs we marched to our posts. We found 
Post No. 1 located on the highway and alongside the ruins of a 
large building destroyed by fire, probably since the war com- 
menced, nothing being left but the walls and chimney. 

Upon relieving this post we left the highway, which here runs 
nearly east and west, taking our course along the fields to the 
south for Post No. 2. The posts were perhaps thirty rods apart, 
and three men were stationed at each with one sergeant or Cor- 
poral in charge of every three posts. 

The orders were for one man to remain at the post while his 
comrades were to patrol in opposite directions, meet the sentinel 
from the post adjoining them and return, thereby keeping up 
communication throughout the entire line; the men to have their 
pieces loaded and bayonets fixed, with particular instructions to 
be vigilant, build no fires, light no matches, and neither smoke 
nor indulge in loud conversation. 

The line of pickets ran nearly north and south, the first sup- 
port being on the right of the line commencing in the vicinity of 
Bailey's Cross roads and connected with the second at Post 
No. 1. The line of our support ran from the main road towards 



14 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

the railroad, the distance between the two at this place being 
perhaps a mile and a half; our support reaching two-thirds of 
the distance, there to connect with the third, and so on to the 
last support. 

Our beat led over level spaces, up and down hills, where it re- 
quired the greatest care to preserve our equilibrium, through 
tangled thickets of bush and brier, and over every conceivable 
obstacle in the shape of stump, stone, log, and bog. We were 
very fortunate in having pleasant weather during this duty. We 
took our posts at twelve, unslung our blankets, knapsacks, can- 
teens, and loaded our pieces. We were relieved at four o'clock, 
and arrived at the rendezvous in time to make our coffee by day- 
light, eat our supper, spread our blankets and turn in. At mid- 
night we were called up. The night was warm and pleasant, 
the moon just rising as we took our posts. The time passed 
quickly, and, at half past four, we were again at the rendezvous. 
The weather continued fine and nothing remarkable occurred in 
connection with our duties, unless we except a visit from Gen- 
eral Casey, who rode along our picket line accompanied by his 
staff on a tour of inspection, or the inability of Corp. Jimmy 
Good, of Company F, to control his musket, which unexpectedly 
went screaming into action with startling effect. 

At eleven a. m., the 15th, we formed in line to receive the new 
guard, and, by twelve, our last relief was in and we started for 
camp. We reached it about two p. m. and found our rations of 
soup and hot coffee awaiting us, to which we immediately paid 
our respects. 

Early Sunday, the 16th, we cleaned our muskets, brushed our 
clothes, and, at eleven a. m., listened to our chaplain, who held 
forth from the steps of the building adjoining our camp on the 
north. This building was very large and was occupied by our 
colonel, his staff, the post office, hospital, and quartermaster's 
department. 

Tuesday, the 18th, at dress parade, we had orders to be in 
readiness the following morning for brigade review, — the same 
to come off at Fort Albany. 

Accordingly, the 19th, at 8.30 a. m. our regiment, ready and 
equipped for the march, halted opposite Colonel Wright's head- 
quarters. The Fifteenth Connecticut took position on the right, 




Major Cyrus G. Dyer. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 15 

the Thirteenth New Hampshire formed on the left, and we com- 
menced our march. After proceeding about two miles, the or- 
der was countermanded, and, coming to an '"about face," we 
made quick march for our camp, arriving in time to escape a 
drenching rain. As our large Sibley tents were furnished with 
stoves and plenty of wood, we contrived to make ourselves com- 
fortable for the balance of the day. 

On the 21st our time came for picket duty, and again the 
Twelfth Kegiment Rhode Island Volunteers, was favored with 
pleasant weather. While the other regiments of our brigade had 
to contend with storms while on this duty, the Twelfth thus far 
escaped this discomforting experience. Saturday, the 22d, was 
very warm and pleasant, but Sunday, the 23d, the sky was par- 
tially overcast with clouds. The air was raw and chilly and the 
wind blew a gale from the northwest. At two p. m. our regi- 
ment came in, all in good spirits, and glad to get into camp. 

Monday, the 21th, we had a pleasant day and a fine time drill- 
ing. The men were in excellent spirits and were fast improving 
in the drill and discipline necessary to make the effective soldier. 
With what readiness we fell in for battalion drill, under the 
leadership of Major Dyer, whose impressive presence, eagle eye. 
and military bearing, bespoke the ideal soldier ! 

The Twelfth, as yet, continued in remarkably good condition 
compared with the Thirteenth New Hampshire and the Fifteenth 
Connecticut, who. arriving here at the same time as ourselves, 
had already lost several men and at this time had quite a num- 
ber sick in the hospital. 

Tuesday, the 25th, was a cloudy, misty day, and in the night 
it rained quite hard. Wednesday morning it cleared in time for 
us to attempt drill. The downfall during the night had softened 
the surface of the clay, a peculiarity in the mud at this place, 
which you can appreciate by spreading lard an inch thick upon a 
plank and then attempting to walk upon it. I will give Com- 
rade Andrew M. Belcher credit for the foregoing illustration of 
the condition of our parade ground, which was a correct one. 
Our manoeuvres this day, though occupying a very brief period, 
developed many new features in fancy drill. 

The 27th was Thanksgiving day in Rhode Island and it was 
also duly observed by us in camp. We were relieved from drill. 



If, HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

attended divine service at eleven a. m., and had a little recrea- 
tion walking about the country. Several of us, having now the 
opportunity, took a run down to Alexandria to which place we 
found we had underrated the distance, it being nearly two and 
a half miles from the camp. We passed the convalescent camp, 
situated on the heights to the west of Alexandria, and to the 
north of Port Ellsworth, on the same eminence. In the vicinity 
of this camp was the "Recruiting Camp," making, in the aggre- 
gate, an immense collection of tents and occupants. From this 
locality we had a very extensive view of the country for miles 
around. In full view lay the City of Washington to the north of 
us; Fairfax Seminary, two miles to the northwest, and Alex- 
andria, a short distance to the east and perhaps one hundred feet 
below the level on which we stood. The view of the Potomac 
from this height was simply grand! 

Acqnia ('reek at this time being the base of Burnside's opera- 
tions in Virginia, the Potomac was crowded with vessels of 
every size and description plying between Acqnia Creek, Alexan- 
dria and Washington. 

Thanksgiving in camp recalls to mind the scarcity of all the 
good things necessary to make up a first-class dinner. Many 
of our regiment will recollect that while in camp here, how and 
where one or more of our comrades located a remarkably fine 
turkey; how the colonel's larder was relieved of the same; the 
indignant colonel; the speedy arrest of the guilty culprit; free 
exhibition of "High Horse" manoeuvring, a feature in military 
tactics well calculated to strike terror to the heart of the guilty 
offender. 

December 1st, we received orders to march at once and at 
twelve M. our brigade was on the move. We passed through 
Washington just at nightfall over the bridge which crosses the 
east hianch of the Potomac, and encamped near Uniontown in 
Maryland about two miles beyond the city for the night. The 
following morning we continued our journey along the Mary- 
land side of the Potomac. 

1 will again quote from Rhode Island in the Rebellion by Ed- 
win W. Stone, who thus describes the close of our third day's 
march. This is what he writes: "The sight at the close of their 
third day's march was a grand one. The two brigades that had 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 17 

thus far preceded were overtaken. They had encamped on the 
southern or farther side hills of the Piscataway valley and we on 
the northern. The whole formed a sort of amphitheatre, when all 
were in position. Camp-fires blazed up in every direction. The 
night was very dark and this improvised illumination lighted 
up objects around with startling effect. The whole was height- 
ened by the hurrahs and shouts of the men. The rabbits which 
abound in this region were constantly being routed from their 
hiding places, and, in their terror and attempt to escape, would 
run from one squad or company or regiment to another, and the 
men, forgetting their weariness and blisters, would put chase 
with a. hurrah and shout that echoed among the hills till it 
sounded as if Pandemonium were let loose. The darkness of 
the night, the fitful flash of the thousands of camp-fires, the 
rushing to and fro of the soldiers in the chase and the echoed 
shouts, all produced a scene of grand confusion and brilliancy 
rarely seen, and which will never be forgotten by those who 
witnessed it." 

We had fine weather until Friday, the 5th, when it com- 
menced raining and at night turning to snow, made our en- 
campment exceedingly unpleasant. We expected to have reached 
the Potomac Friday night, but the rain softening the roads made 
our progress extremely difficult and tedious, and, at three p. m., 
we discontinued our march and encamped. It ceased snowing 
early in the night and the next day at ten a. m. we were on the 
march. It was a most delightful morning (in contrast with our 
condition the night before), and one ever to be remembered. The 
snow had crusted over, bearing our weight as we marched, and 
the £,un shining brightly gave the evergreen trees and shrubs by 
the roadside, a beautiful appearance, as they glittered with snow. 

At twelve m. we were upon the banks of the rotomac at 
Liverpool Point opposite Acquia Creek w r aiting our turn to be 
ferried across. It came at last, and, at five r. m., we were aboard 
our craft — an open ferry boat — and on cur way. At seven we 
were alongside the pier, and, at eight, off the boat, and in line, 
waiting orders. It was a bitter cold night and our halt of an 
hour and a half at this place will ever be remembered by the regi- 
ment. After a tedious search our colonel found a brook and 
nearby, on a side hill, a space where the trees had been felled and 



18 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

some of them cut up, and. at half past nine, we finally received 
orders to move, — passing up the railroad which ran from Acquia 
Creek to Fredericksburg. We left the track, filing to the left, 
and, after proceeding about one-third of a mile, the regiment 
was speedily brought up, pushed by companies in among the 
fallen timbers, and we proceeded to encamp. 

The spot selected was on the side of a hill where heavy timber 
had recently been cut, and most of it taken off, but the tops of 
the trees, and some of the large logs, had been left and were 
covered with snow which had fallen the night before. The 
difficulties we encountered here, our fruitless endeavor to make 
ourselves anything but miserable, lack of sufficient rations, the 
intense suffering caused by the accumulation of smoke from our 
fires that hung about and around us, and from which we could 
not escape, are ever present to us as memory calls to mind "Camp 
Smoke." 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
Series 1, Vol. XXI, Pages 338 and 339.] 

Report op Col. Aaron F. Stevens, Thirteenth ]S t ew Hampshire 

Infantry. 

Opposite Fredericksburg, Va., 
Dec. 22, 1862. 

I have the honor to report to you the operations of the regi- 
ment under my command since their departure from Camp 
Casey, near Fairfax Seminary, Va. . . . 

My regiment moved from Camp Casey on the 1st instant with 
the 1st brigade of Casey's division, consisting of the 15th Con- 
necticut, 13th New Hampshire, 12th Rhode Island, and 25th and 
27th New Jersey Volunteers, under command of the Senior Col. 
Dexter R. Wright, of the 15th Connecticut Vols. 

The first day we reached Uniontown, some two miles southerly 
from Washington City. We encamped the second day near Pis- 
cataway, and the third day, about six miles northerly from Port 
Tobacco. We passed Port Tobacco about noon of the fourth 
day, and encamped for the night some six miles west of that 
place. The fifth day in the midst of a cold and violent snow 
storm, we encamped about a mile and a half from Liverpool 
Point, or Bluebank as it is sometimes called, a point on the Po- 
tomac nearly opposite Acquia Creek. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 19 

On the morning of the sixth day we broke camp and marched 
to Bluebank, where we were detained some eight hours awaiting 
transportation; the soldiers during that time being exposed to a 
keen, cold, piercing wind which swept down the river and across 
the plateau where they halted. 

My regiment was ferried across the Potomac about six o'clock 
Saturday evening. The weather was extremely cold, and the 
men suffered much from its severity. 

From Acquia Creek, where we landed, we marched about two 
miles, and encamped in a ravine well sheltered from the northerly 
winds, but filled with snow. . . . 

In this encampment we remained until the next Tuesday after- 
noon, when we moved to this point, reaching here Wednesday 
afternoon. . . . 

I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your Excel- 
lency's obedient servant, 

A. F. STEVENS, 

Colonel Thirteenth Regiment N. H. Vols. 

His Excellency Nathaniel S. Berry, 
Governor of New Hampshire. 

We will now return to the organization of our regiment, 
its brief stay at Camp Stevens, its departure therefrom, 
our journey to Washington by rail and boat, our march 
across the Potomac, the establishing of Camp Chase, the 
formidable weapon assigned us, namely, the old Springfield 
smooth bore, with its deadly outfit of ball and buckshot ; taking 
in also the sights and scenes coining under our observation from 
the remarkably fine outlook afforded us at Camp Casey, near 
Fairfax Seminary, at which place our camp was established Nov. 
2, 1862, our varied duties there; how, December 1st, our brigade 
broke camp, marched to Washington, thence along the Maryland 
side of the Potomac to Liverpool Point, were from here ferried 
across the river to Acquia Creek, and, at ten p m., December 6th. 
again going into camp on Virginia soil under conditions wherein 
the question might not unnaturally arise "And why did you go 
for a soldier?" 

While on this inarch, who of us will cease to remember the 
miserable allowance of "mouldy hard-tack" and the impossibility 
of procuring anything else whatever upon which to satisfy our 
hunger? The scarcity of live stock along our line of march was. 



20 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

after due investigation, pronounced as something remarkable; 
the stealthy tread of the Lion, even, failed to surprise, or its 
roar of disappointment startle from its hiding, the coveted prize. 
I well remember coming upon a squad of Company F, a portion 
of whom were on the lookout for Colonel Browne, who had issued 
strict orders against foraging along our line of march, while the 
balance of the crowd had started a fire upon whose smoking em- 
bers a very small animal, with very long bristles, was undergo- 
ing treatment in the interests of roast pig for breakfast; but a 
most important factor, salt, could not be obtained to render the 
dish palatable; the expected feast gave way to the more lively 
practice of the gymnast, as under the impulse of disappoint- 
ment, and the vigorous application of the army whang, all traces 
of failure went scurrying skyward, while the altitude, acquired 
by certain portions, was something astonishing. At no time dur- 
ing our term of service were we compelled to subsist on such con- 
temptible rations as were issued us during this march, and, after 
a continued journey of six days, at about ten p. m., on the even- 
ing of December 6th, a decision to halt, if only for a day or two. 
was extremely gratifying to us. In the meantime, we hoped 
that our commissary might have a chance to improve our condi- 
tion, as our dilapidated stomachs had become in appearance 
identical with that of "Setk Green's Shad" after passing through 
his hands in the interests of pisciculture. 

Here, after being enveloped in smoke for about forty eight 
hours, it appeared quite certain that starvation, asphyxiation, 
annihilation, and possibly damnation to the unregenerated, was 
to be the immediate doom of the regiment. 

However, on the morning of the 9th, the clouds of smoke par- 
tially rolled away, and, as the beams of the sun illumined our 
camp, our commissary appeared upon the scene. With what 
emotion we contemplated the expected feast, as the camp kettles, 
filled to overflowing, were swung upon the glowing fires! But 
presto, change, — the beat of the drum, the hurried commands, 
"pack knapsacks," "fall in", — rolled sharp upon the field! 
Speedily the Twelfth Regiment is again in motion ; our feast, "so 
near, and yet so far." Quickly emerging from the glowing sur- 
roundings of "('amp Smoke," we resume our march. As we 
stride along, our thoughts linger but brief! v over our bitter dis- 




Bowman 



^EDERICKSBURGl 



_' MILE 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 21 

appointment, and our sudden call led us to contemplate other 
possibilities. Under the friendly shelter of the trees, whose over- 
hanging branches, in our imagination, look down upon us in si- 
lence and sympathy, we halt for the night. On the afternoon of 
the following day. we descended the hills towards the plains of 
the Rappahannock, and at Claybourne's Run. at the foot of the 
hills, on the evening of December 10th, we halted. 

Here, and in the immediate vicinity, the Army of the Potomac 
was fast concentrating. General Burnside, whose headquarters 
were at the Phillips House, about a mile in front of our position, 
hastens to greet our colonel as an old friend and acquaintance, 
after which brief interview we prepared to camp for the night. 

Somewhere about eleven p. m., through the combined efforts of 
the commissary and cook, a generous allowance of hot soup was 
distributed, only to be secured, however, by a limited number of 
the boys. The balance of the regiment, weary, footsore and lame 
from long-continued marching, had pitched their tents early, un- 
der the shelter of which they soon became oblivious to present 
surroundings and did not respond to the call for rations. 

It will not be out of place here to review events transpiring 
since November 7th, the date of McClellan's retirement, and of 
Burnside's appointment to the command of the army. 

General Burnside, having reluctantly accepted the responsi- 
bility, quickly decided to move upon Fredericksburg. The move- 
ment was made with great rapidity. Burnside only failed of 
seizing the place through the non-arrival of the pontoons at the 
time appointed. 

Lee, occupying the town, threw up his earthworks and planted 
his batteries. In the meantime, a heavy storm set in which still 
further delayed operations on the part of our army, thus giving 
Lee an opportunity to so strengthen his works as to render them 
well-nigh impregnable to assault from the direction contemplated 
in the original plan of General Burnside. 

It was generally supposed that the army would go into winter 
quarters now, while the press of the country pronounced the 
campaign at an end. 

Here, alongside the Seventh Rhode Island, on a gravelly knoll 
or bluff, at the foot of which the clear waters of Claybourne's 
Run shallow as they broaden and ripple across the highway, and 



22 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

over which stream we were destined to march and countermarch 
so many, many times, with ever lessening numbers, — here, incor- 
porated in the Army of the Potomac and at the immediate front, 
hurriedly we pitched our tents and awaited developments. 

The people of the North were greatly discouraged that our 
splendidly equipped army, from which so much was expected, 
should have accomplished so little. Chafing under the general 
ill-feeling prevailing, Congress demanded that Burnside should 
move somewhere. Neither the public, the politician nor the war 
department would consent to his going into winter quarters. 
No alternative remained for General Burnside except to devise 
a new plan. He had already obtained correct information of 
the position held by General Lee, who occupied Fredericksburg, 
and whose advance columns, along the river in front of the city, 
lay strongly entrenched; while the main body of his army occu- 
pied the heights in the rear of the city and the hills upon either 
side, the line of his main defences running parallel with the 
river from opposite Falmouth to a point some two and a half 
miles below the city. The right and left defences of Lee's army 
occupied positions three-quarters of a mile from the banks of the 
Rappahannock, while the line gradually receding at Deep Run 
(where Jackson's and Longstreet's corps intersected, forming the 
centre of the rebel army), the distance from the river was about 
a mile and a quarter. At the rear of the centre, on the Rich- 
mond road, General Lee had established his headquarters. 

Deep Run, an almost impassable ravine, separated Jackson's 
corps from Longstreet's, but General Lee caused a road to be 
constructed through the woods and across the ravine by which 
troops could be readily marched to the right or left, as might be 
necessary. 

Judging that Lee did not expect him to cross the river opposite 
Fredericksburg, but lower down, Burnside decided to bridge the 
Rappahannock directly opposite the town, as well as below, and 
make a desperate push to obtain possession of the road men- 
tioned above, thus dividing Lee's army. This plan was consid- 
ered and accepted by a council of officers December 10th. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS -•> 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXI, Page 103.] 

Headquarters, Army op the Potomac, 

November 22,, 1802. 

General: By reference to my plan of operations submitted 
by order of the Commander-in-Chief, it will be found that one of 
the necessary parts of that plan was to have started from Wash- 
ington at once pontoon trains sufficient to span the Rappahan- 
nock at Fredericksburg twice, and I was assured that at least 
one train would leave as soon as the General-in-Chief and Gen. 
Meigs returned. . . . 

It is very clear that my object was to make the move to Fred- 
ericksburg very rapidly, and to throw a heavy force across the 
river before the enemy could concentrate a force to oppose the 
crossing, and supposed the pontoon train would arrive at this 
place nearly simultaneously with the head of the column. Had 
that been the case, the whole of General Sumner's column — 
33,000 strong — would have crossed into Fredericksburg at once 
over a pontoon bridge, in front of a city filled wth families of 
rebel officers, and sympathizers with the rebel cause, and gar- 
risoned by a small squadron of cavalry and a battery of artillery 
which Gen. Simmer silenced wfthin an hour after his arrival. 

Had the pontoon bridge arrived even on the 19th or 20th, the 
army could have crossed with trifling opposition. But now the 
opposite side of the river is occupied by a large rebel force under 
General Longstreet with batteries ready to be placed in position 
to operate against the working parties building the bridge, and 
the troops in crossing. . . . 

The work of the quartermaster's and commissary departments 
at Acquia Creek or Belle Plain has been most completely accom- 
plished, and I am not prepared to say that every effort has not 
been made to carry out the other parts of the plan ; but I must, 
in honesty and candor, say that I cannot feel that the move indi- 
cated in my plan of operations will be successful after two very 
important parts of the plan have not been carried out, — no mat- 
ter for what reason. 

The President said that the movement in order to be success- 
ful must be made quickly, and T thought the same. 

I have the honor to be. very respectfully, your obedient ser- 
vant, 

A. E. KFRNSIDE. 
Gen. G. W. Cullum, 

Chief of Staff. Washington, D. C. 



24 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

OFFICIAL BECOBDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXI, Page 61.] 

Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, 

Dec. 9, 1862. 4.05 a. m. 

In accordance with your directions 1 send you copies of orders 
issued which I hope will be satisfactory. I will send you a more 
definite dispatch after my interview with the commanders of 
grand divisions to-day. 

Our movements have been very much embarrassed by the cold 
weather, but we still hope for success. The gunboats will not 
be able to assist us in consequence of the ice in the river ; in fact, 
it is feared that they may now be frozen in at a point some thirty 
miles below here. The harbor at Belle Plain was frozen over 
this morning. The men suffer very much from the cold, but the 
sick list is not very largely increasing. I hope to make the at- 
tempt to cross on Thursday morning at daybreak, with chances 
of success in our favor. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major-Gcneral Commanding Army of the Potomac. 

Maj.-Gen. H. W. Haleeck, 

General-in-Ch ief, Washington. 

In the distribution of regiments, the Twelfth, through the 
efforts of Colonel Sayles, of the Seventh Rhode Island, was brig 
aded with the Seventh, in the First Brigade. General Nagle; Sec- 
ond Division, General Sturgis; Ninth Army Corps, General Will- 
cox, in General Sumner's Grand Division. 

Preparations were made that night for crossing the river. The 
artillery took their position along the bank. Orders were issued 
to the troops to be in readiness. A brigade of engineers was or- 
dered down to the river. Soon after dark the brigade, with its 
long train of boats, came rumbling down the Stafford Hills. 
Boats sufficient for two bridges halted near the railroad; enough 
for two more continued one-third of a mile down stream opposite 
the lower end of the town, while the remainder of the boats were 
carried a. mile and a half still further down. 

Sumner and Hooker were to use those opposite the town, while 
Franklin's troops were to cross on those below. To protect the 
engineers in their work, a brigade of troops was ordered out. 




Surgeon Bbnoni Carpenter. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 25 

Beside their guns the artillerymen stood ready to open fire if the 
rebels opposed them. The engineers removed the boats from 
the wagons, and, anchoring them one by one in the stream, com- 
menced laying the timbers and planks. By daybreak, on the 
morning of the 11th, the bridges were nearly completed. A dense 
fog prevailed, which concealed operations. 

The Eighth Florida Regiment of Perry's brigade, and the 
Seventeenth and Eighteenth Mississippi of Barksdale's brigade, 
were on picket along the river, while the Third Georgia, and the 
Thirteenth and Twenty-first Mississippi, were in reserve in the 
town. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXI, Page 64.] 

Headquarters, Army op the Potomac, 

Dec. 9, 1862, 11.30 p. m. 

General: All the orders have been issued to the several com- 
manders of grand divisions and heads of departments for an at- 
tempt to cross the river Thursda}* morning. The plans of the 
movement are somewhat modified by the movements of the en- 
emy, who have been concentrating in large force opposite a point 
at which we originally intended to cross. I think now that the 
enemy will be more surprised by a crossing immediately in our 
front than in any other point of the river. The commanders of 
grand divisions coincide with me in this opinion, and I have ac- 
cordingly ordered the movement which will enable us to keep 
the force well concentrated, at the same time covering our com- 
munications in the rear. . . . 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 
General G. W. Cullum, 

Chief of Staff, Washington. 

Lee expected an advance of the Union army. His commands 
were given "to be especially vigilant/' The sentinels along the 
river through the long winter night peered into the darkness, 
listening to catch the meaning of the confused hum as it floated 
to them across the stream. 

On the morning of the 11th, at five o'clock, the deep and heavy 



26 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

roar of the signal guns, rolling along the valley and reverberat- 
ing from hill to hill, ronsed the sleepers of both armies. 

The crossing was not to be a surprise; the rebels were ready 
for battle. At daybreak, the rebel pickets along the river opened 
fire. The rattling of their musketry was immediately followed 
by the roar from our batteries, as grape and canister were hurled 
across the stream. At the lower bridges the rebel pickets were 
compelled to retire, and the engineers completed their work. But 
at the upper bridges the resistance of the rebels was such that, 
notwithstanding the most heroic efforts of the builders, it was 
found impossible to land the bridge upon the opposite shore. 

The Mississippi sharpshooters, taking shelter in the buildings, 
poured a continuous and deadly fire upon them. Nearly every 
soldier who attempted to carry out a plank, fell. ''The bridges 
must be completed," said General Burnside. Again the brave 
engineers attempted it. The fog still hung over the river. From 
the northern bank only the flashes of the rifles could be seen on 
the other shore. Our gunners, posted on the bluff opposite the 
town, could only fire at random, but with such rapidity that the 
engineers were able to carry the bridge to within seventy or 
eighty feet of the opposite shore, when the fire of the rebels be- 
came so deadly in turn that it was simply murder to send men 
out with a plank. 

The Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers, in the meantime, rest- 
ing at Claybourne's Run about one mile from the Rappahannock, 
not so far exhausted as to be oblivious to all things transpiring, 
had revolved in their minds the probabilities of soon encounter- 
ing something more startling even than frost, smoke or starva- 
tion, and when at five o'clock on the morning of the 11th the re- 
port of Lee's signal guns came rolling across the valley of the 
river, although a few of the regiment, not fully conscious of the 
situation, might be prompted to inquire "Where am I at?" it 
was soon evident to all that something would have to be attended 
to, in which the Twelfth would doubtless be invited to partici- 
pate. 

At about nine a m. we received twenty extra rounds of ammu- 
nition; were ordered to place our knapsacks and extra luggage 
in a pile, and, with tent and blanket, musket and equipments, 
place ourselves in line, shortly after which, the regiment, taking 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 27 

the highway to Fredericksburg, crossing the run and proceeding 
a short distance, gained the level of the plains opposite the town. 
We here left the road, filed to the right, joined our brigade, rested 
upon our arms at a distance of about three-quarters of a mile 
from the point of slaughter below the bluff, and awaited the 
completion of the bridge. 

General Burnside's headquarters were at the Phillips House, 
a short distance from us to the right of our position, with the 
Lacey House a half mile in advance of us to the left, and upon 
the bluff overlooking the river. 

I will now quote from C. C. Coffin, correspondent of the Bos 
ton Journal, who was present at Burnside's headquarters and 
whose report relates to what was taking place while we were 
resting on our arms at the Phillips House. This is what he 
says: 

"At half-past nine General Burnside stood on the piazza of the 
Phillips House, three-quarters of a mile from the pontoons. 
General Sumner and General Hooker were there. Aids and cou- 
riers came and went with messages and orders. 'My bridge is 
completed and I am ready to cross' was Franklin's message from 
below at half past nine. 'You must wait until the upper bridge 
is completed,' was the reply to Franklin. 

"Two hours passed, a half-dozen attempts were made to com- 
plete the upper bridge, without success. Brave men, not belong 
ing to the engineers, came down to the bank and volunteered 
their services, seized planks and boards, ran out upon the bridge, 
only to fall before the sharpshooters concealed in the cellars of 
the houses, not ten rods distant. Captain Brainard, of the Fif- 
tieth New York, volunteered to finish the nearly completed work. 
They went out upon the run ; five fell at one volley, and the rest 
returned. Captain Perkins, of the same regiment, led another 
party. He fell with a ghastly wound in his neck. Half of his 
men were killed or wounded, their blood turning crimson the 
turbid waters of the Rappahannock. 

"General Burnside had no desire to injure the town, bur, under 
the usage of war, he had a right to bombard it, for the rebels had 
concealed themselves in houses, making use of them to slaughter 
his men. 'Bring all your guns to bear upon the city and batter 
it down," was the order issued to General Hunt, chief of artil- 



28 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

lery. Colonel Hays had eight batteries on the right. Colonel 
Thompson had eleven batteries on the right centre, opposite the 
upper pontoons, some of them in the yard of Mr. Lacy's house. 
Colonel Tyler had seven batteries a little farther down on the 
left centre, while Captain DeKussey had seven batteries opposite 
the lower pontoons. 

"There were in all thirty-five batteries, with a total of one hun- 
dred and seventy-nine guns, all bearing upon the town. The ar- 
tillerymen received orders to prepare for action with a hurrah. 
They had chafed all the morning and longed for an opportunity 
to avenge their fallen comrades. The hour had come. They 
sprang to their pieces. The fire ran from right to left, from the 
heavy twenty-four pounders on the heights of Falmouth to the 
smaller pieces on the hills where Washington passed his boy- 
hood. The earth shook beneath the terrific explosions of shells 
which went howling over the river, crashing into houses, batter- 
ing down walls, splintering doors and ripping up floors. Sixty 
solid shot and shells a minute were thrown and the bombard- 
ment was kept up, until nine thousand were fired. No hot shot 
were used, but the explosion set fire to a block of buildings, 
which added terrible grandeur to the scene. 

"The rebel army stood upon the heights beyond the town and 
watched the operations. Lee's artillery was silent, and the Mis- 
sissippians, concealed in the houses, were alone in the contest. 
The fog lifted at last and revealed the town. The streets were 
deserted, but the houses, the church steeples and the stores were 
riddled with shot, yet no impression had been made on the Mis 
sissippians. Burnside's artillerymen could not depress their 
pieces sufficiently to shell them out. A working party went out 
upon the bridge but one after another was killed or wounded. 

"The time had come for a bold movement. It was plain that a 
party must go over in boats, charge up the hill, and rout them 
from their hiding places. Who would go? Who would attempt 
The hazardous enterprise? Hall's brigade, standing on the bank 
by the Lacy House, had watched the proceedings during the 
long hours. The}- were accustomed to hard fighting. This brig- 
ade was composed of the Seventh Michigan, Nineteenth and 
Twentieth Massachusetts and Forty-second New York. They had 
fought at Fair Oaks, Savage Station, Glendale, Malvern Hill and 




Crossing the River in Pontoons. 

Copyright 1884-1888 by The Century Co. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 29 

Antietani. The Twentieth had been in all these battles and 
were also at Ball's Bluff. "We will go over and clean out the 
rebels," was the cry of this brigade. "You shall have the privi- 
lege," said General Burnside. There were not boats enough for 
all, — not enough for one regiment even. A portion of the 
Seventh Michigan was selected to go first, while the other regi- 
ments stood as a supporting force. The men run down the path 
to the water's edge, jump into the boats, and push into the 
stream. It is a moment of intense excitement. No one knows 
how large is the force opposing them. The rebel sharpshooters 
are watching the movements from their hiding places. They 
have, a fair view and can pick their men. The men in the boats 
know it, but they move steadily onward, steering straight across 
the stream, without a thought of turning back, though their 
comrades are falling, some headlong into the river, and others 
dropping into the boats. The oarsmen pull with rapid strokes. 
When one falls, another takes his place. Two thirds the dis- 
tance over the boats ground in shoal water. The soldiers wait 
for no word of command, but, with a common impulse, with an 
ardor which stops not to count the cost, they leap into the water, 
wade to the shore, and rush up the slippery slope. A loud hur- 
rah rings out from the soldiers who watch them from the Fal- 
mouth shore. Up, up, they go, facing death, fearing not, in- 
tent only to get at the foe, and win victory at the point of the 
bayonet. They smash the windows, batter down doors, driving 
or capturing the foe. Loud and hearty are the cheers of the 
regiments on the opposite shore. When the bridge builders saw 
the soldiers charge up the hill, they too, caught the enthusiasm 
of the moment and finished the bridge. The other regiments of 
the brigade before the last planks were laid, rushed down, ran 
out upon the bridge, dashed up the bank, joined their comrades, 
and drove the rebels from the streets nearest the river." 

History furnishes but few records of more daring exploits 
than this sketch of the Seventh Michigan. Their work was 
thorough and complete. In fifteen minutes they cleared the 
houses in front of them and took more prisoners than their own 
party numbered. 

It was now half-past four in the afternoon, one of the shortest 



30 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

days of winter. The sun was going down. The rebels had de- 
layed the crossing through the entire day. 

The other brigades of General Howard's division moved across 
the river. The rebel batteries, which till now had kept silent, 
opened furiously with solid shot and shell, but the troops moved 
steadily over and took shelter under and along the river bank. 
The rebels were falling back from street to street, and the men 
from Michigan and Massachusetts were pursuing. Far up the 
streets there were bright flashes from the muskets of the rebels, 
who fired from cellar, chamber windows, and other sheltered 
places. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXI, Page 64.] 

Dec. 11, 1862, 6.30 p. m. 
s (Received 7.40 p. m.) 

General: Our troops now occupy Fredericksburg. We hare 
two bridges opposite the town, and two below, with a force on 
the opposite bank covering them. I expect to cross the rest of 
my command to-morrow. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 
Major-General. 
Major-Gen. Halleck. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXI, Pages 64 and 65.] 

Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, 

December 11, 1862, 7.45 p. m. 
(Received 8.45 p. m.) 

. . . Fredericksburg is occupied by a division of our troops, 
and I hope to have the main body of our force over early to-mor- 
row. Our loss is very slight. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major-General Commanding. 

Maj.-Gen. H. W. Halleck. 

Nearer moved the dark masses of men in blue, who gave quick 
volleys as they marched steadily on, demolishing doors, crushing 
in windows and searching every hiding place. Cannons were 
flaming on all the hills, and the whole country was all aflame 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 31 

with the camp-fires of the two great armies. The Stafford Hills 
were alive with men, regiments, brigades and divisions, moving 
in columns from their encampments to cross the river. The sky 
was without a cloud. The town was lighted by lurid flames. 
The air was full of hissing, the sharp cutting sound of the leaden 
rain. The great, twenty-pound guns on the heights of Falmouth 
were roaring the while. There were shouts, hurrahs, yells and 
groans from the streets. So the fight went on, until the rebels 
were driven wholly from the town to their entrenchments be- 
yond. 

In the meantime our brigades, which had rested on their arms 
near General Sumner's quarters the greater part of the day, late 
in the afternoon were ordered to return, occupy their camp of 
the night before and wait for further orders. 

. . . The pale-faced moon looks bloody on the earth, 

And lean look'd prophets whisper fearful change. . . . 

Rioiiard II. 

Here on the night of the 11th of December we again pitched 
our tents under the shelter of which we stretched our weary 
limbs, and, as the events of the day rapidly passed in review, for 
getf ulness stole upon the senses, anxious thoughts were dispelled 
by refreshing sleep and the night sped away. 

Again in light marching order, the early morning of the 12th 
finds us in line and under orders to move at once. On the south- 
ern bank of the Rappahannock, foothold having been secured, the 
army crossed the river. With the rest of our brigade, the 
Twelfth was speedily underway. Crossing the run, we came 
again upon the level plain and taking the same course as on the 
day before, passed General Sumner's quarters, to whose grand 
division we belonged. 

The general stood on the piazza of the Phillips House as we 
marched past, his snow white head uncovered, presenting a strik- 
ing figure, — by most of us to be remembered as the first and only 
opportunity we were to have to see the venerable general whose 
advanced age compelled his retirement from active service 
shortly afterwards. 

On the extreme edge of the plain, in the direction in which we 
were marching and to the front and left of us, the Lacy House, 



32 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

a fine old mansion with its numerous out-buildings, occupied a 
position from which an extended view could be had of the sur- 
rounding country. The point on the bluff, where this fine old 
historic mansion was situated, is elevated one hundred feet above 
the level of the river, at about the same elevation as the hills in 
the rear of the town, — one mile from the river where Lee had 
planted his batteries. 

Across the river directly opposite the Lacy House, not more 
than one-third of a mile '"as the crow flies," and at an average 
height from the level of the river of about fifty feet, lay the old 
sleepy town of Fredericksburg. 

At the Lacy House General Sumner took position while his 
divisions were engaged in the assault upon the heights, and from 
that point directed operations. Opposite, and for a quarter of a 
mile towards Falmouth, above the Lacy House, the bluff descend- 
ing to the river is remarkably steep, the general outline only 
broken at one place by a ravine, along the sides of which the de- 
scent to the river could be somewhat facilitated. To this ravine 
the regiment directed its course, and also on this point Lee's gun- 
ners had trained their pieces. Under their fire we entered the 
ravine and speedily made our way to the foot of the hill, then 
taking the "right oblique" a few rods across a comparatively 
level space, we reached the pontoons and crossed the river where 
the day before such determined resistance was made by the reb- 
els to delay or prevent the completion of the bridge. This bridge 
was laid exactly in line with what is now called Fourteenth 
Street, and up the slippery, steep ascent of this unimproved, un- 
graded opening, we scrambled. Our course along Fourteenth 
Street lay directly towards the enemy occupying the heights be- 
yond the rear of the town. About five hundred feet from the 
river this street crosses Caroline Street (now B Street). Filing 
to the left, we entered this, the principal street of the town, and 
here, alongside this thoroughfare, parti}' sheltered from the fire 
of the enemy, we rested on our arms and waited further orders, 
this portion of the town suffered severely during the shelling of 
the place the day before as the fire, from our batteries across the 
river, was directed to this point; there also the sharpshooters. 
after being driven from the buildings nearest the river, contested 
the advance of our troops, and only through the pressure of over 




& 3 
2 hi 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 33 

powering numbers, they finally retreated to the shelter of their 
entrenchments beyond the town. "Bight into the jaws of death" 
rushed the first detachment of the Seventh Michigan, whose he- 
roic efforts rendered it possible to complete the bridge. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXI, Page 65.] 

Headquarters,, Army of the Potomac. 

Dec. 12, 1862. 
(Received 4.45 p. m.) 

Our forces are crossing the river, and thus far without opposi- 
tion. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major-General. 

This precipitated the final struggle for the possession of the 
town, the evidence of which, in some measure, we now had leisure 
to contemplate. Within forty feet of my place in the ranks, the 
lifeless remains of two of the rebels lay exposed to view ; the one 
nearest me having had the top of his head, just above his eyes, 
squarely taken off; a grim messenger from our artillery being 
doubtless the transforming agent. Inside a small enclosure, at 
the corner of Caroline and Fourteenth Streets, could be seen a 
newly excavated trench, alongside of which sixteen of our sol- 
diers lay in a row, cold and still in death, awaiting burial. The 
thought came upon the writer as he gazed upon this mournful 
scene, of the loved ones at home waiting, watching and praying 
for the safe return of these same men, whom, in the dispensation 
of a mysterious Providence, they would never more see on earth, 
and he turned away from the saddening spectacle to become ac- 
quainted with other features of this cruel war. 

The writer had left the ranks to examine still more closely our 
surroundings, when a more rapid fire from the enemy warned 
him to return. The shells were exploding about us, and he 
found the regiment already moving down the street and taking 
position in a less exposed situation. Here we remained, and. 
without shelter, except from the fire of the enemy, and took lodg- 
ings in and alongside the street. Loose boards in the neighbor- 
hood and an outfit of straw, secured by a little foraging, com- 
pleted the preparations for the night. 

3 



34 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

The following morning an issue of three days' rations, the 
early alignment of our regiment, a movement (by the left front) 
along Caroline Street, a wheel into and down A Street to the 
lower end of the town, a halt and alignment along with other 
regiments of our brigade already in position, waiting and ex- 
pectant, — all led us to realize that we were here for a purpose 
not altogether pleasant to contemplate, and that the 13th of 
December, 1862, would doubtless be an eventful day in our his- 
tory. 

Our position here was just below the railroad bridge crossing 
the Rappahannock, on what is now called A Street (the street 
nearest the river) , and running parallel with it and along a steep 
grade known by the townsmen as the "Rocky Hill Road," a short 
distance above the old steamboat landing. 

Our regiment rested in line along this grade facing the river 
and under the shelter of a steep bluff, which, to protect the road- 
way, was partly faced by a substantial stone wall. As we 
ranged ourselves along the steep grade at the base of this wall, 
we found ourselves fairly well sheltered from the occasional shell 
sent our way to prevent the rebuilding of the railroad bridge on 
which progress was being made, a short distance to the left of 
our position. Directly across the street, distant from us one 
hundred and fifty feet or thereabouts, and along the river front, 
the Irish Brigade, so-called, commanded by Gen. Thomas F. 
Meagher, held position, waiting orders. This brigade had seen 
hard and continuous service under its gallant leader, and al- 
though representing the Sixty-third, Sixty-ninth and Eighty- 
eighth New York, the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts and the One 
Hundred and Sixteenth Pennsylvania, at this time had only 
twelve hundred effective men to bring into action. 

It was assigned to French's and Hancock's divisions of the 
Second Corps, and Sturgis's division of the Ninth, to move 
across the open fields in the rear of the town and attack the 
heights. General French was assigned the right. General Han- 
cock the centre, and General Sturgis the left. This line, the Sec- 
ond Corps, General Couch on the right, and Willcox's, the Ninth, 
on the left, extended from the Mary Washington monument, at 
the upper end of the town, to Deep Run, beyond the lower end, 
there connecting with Franklin's divisions. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 35 

Onr regiment was massed in Sturgis's division, which was com- 
posed of two brigades ; General Nagle's containing the Sixth, and 
Ninth New Hampshire, the Seventh and Twelfth Rhode Island, 
the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania and the Second Maryland; Gen- 
eral Ferrero's containing the Twenty-first and Thirty-fifth Mas- 
sachusetts, the Eleventh New Hampshire, the Fifty-first Penn- 
sylvania and the Fifty-first New York. While the Second and 
Ninth Corps crossed the upper pontoons and were now occupy- 
ing the city, the First and Sixth corps, under Franklin, had 
crossed at the lower bridge and were moving into position where 
shelter could be found from the artillery fire of the rebels. The 
main attack was to be made by General Franklin's divisions. 
He had his own command numbering 40,000. Stoneman was 
moving to his support with 20,000, while Butterfield, with the 
Fifth Corps, could be called up to aid, if needed. Opposite the 
city, across the plain, on the rebel left, in front of Sturgis's posi- 
tion, was Longstreet's corps, with Anderson's division on Stain- 
bury Hill, and Ransom's division on Marye's Hill directly in the 
rear of the town. Two roads run up the hill from the town to 
the west; the Gordonsville plank road, and the Orange turnpike. 
Mr. Marye's house stands between them upon the hill, a fine 
brick dwelling with beautiful lawn sloping towards the city. 
From the roof of this mansion General Longstreet could see 
what was going on in the Union lines. He could see the troops 
gathering in the streets of the city and the dark masses, under 
Franklin, two miles away to his right moving out past the Ber- 
nard House, and also Stoneman moving down the Falmouth 
Hills. At the foot of the hill he could see his own soldiers shel- 
tered behind a stone wall along the old telegraph road, which is 
dug like a canal into the side of the hill. It was a sheltered po- 
sition where their rifles and muskets could sweep the level plain 
towards the town. Around Marye's House, behind earthworks, 
his heaviest cannon and howitzers were in position. The Wash- 
ington Artillery, which fought at Bull Run, through all the bat- 
tles on the Peninsula and at Antietam, was there. 

It was just nine o'clock when Meade moved from his position 
near the Bernard House; crossing the ravine which comes down 
from the hills dividing the Bernard and Smithfield estates and 
continuing on to the old Richmond road, was then obliged to 



36 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

halt, and wait for his artillery to pass, while the pioneers then 
under fire from the enemy's batteries, bridged ditches, cut away 
hedges, etc., thus enabling the artillery to reach assigned posi- 
tion, where, on a knoll to the left of the First Brigade, the gun- 
ners, here having a good view of the rebel batteries across the 
plain, opened on the enemy. 

At ten a. m. Meagher's brigade was called upon to change posi- 
tion. We instinctively grasped our muskets with a firmer hand 
as hurriedly past our line from the right a messenger descends 
the slope in front of us, approaches General Meagher, delivers 
his message, urging his horse to greater speed as, turning away, 
he retraced his course. 

The general is already in his saddle. His men, with sober, de- 
termined faces, all attention : a brief address, they fall into 
line, the general turning his horse leads the way. They ascend 
the slope to the street and, rapidly passing along the right of 
our line, are lost to view. 

In the meanwhile General Sumner with his staff took position 
at the Lacy House, from which he could have a full view of the 
movements of his division in the assault upon the heights. It 
was not until twelve m. that General Meade's opportunity came 
to pierce the rebel line, gaining a decided advantage on the left. 

At this juncture French's division was ordered in by General 
Sumner to be followed and supported by Hancock. 

French's division was represented by the brigades of Kimball, 
Anderson and Palmer; Hancock's by the brigades of Zook, 
Meagher and Caldwell. Kimball's brigade led, while the whole 
force in turn moved rapidly to the assault. 

The movement of Meagher's brigades at ten a. m. while taking 
new position at the rear of the town being observed by the rebels 
drew their fire, but not until the advance of French's and Han- 
cock's divisions did we fully realize the situation. Then came 
the roar of artillery marking the time, when, moving from the 
shelter of the town, they encountered the murderous fire from the 
enemy so strongly entrenched along the heights, supplemented 
by the sharp cracking of rifles and musketry, as rebel regiments 
and sharpshooters in advance of their main defences put in their 
deadly work. 

The falling back of these advance regiments to position behind 




d 




X 



H H 










\ 






... v'V'vii-" 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 37 

the stone wall along the sunken road (a veritable fortress in 
itself) aided by subsequent re-enforcements finding; place and 
position there, enabled them to pour a continuous fire upon the 
advancing columns of the Union army, the most destructive re- 
corded in history. 

About twelve m. Sturgis received orders to support General 
Couch, and, accordingly, commenced moving a portion of his 
division towards the upper rear of the town and to the front, 
sheltering his troops in a measure under cover of fences, houses, 
etc. 

In the meantime General Couch threw forward his divisions, 
but the fire of the enemy's artillery and musketry was so severe 
as to cause his left to break and roll in irregular masses back 
Towards the city. 

Observing this Sturgis ordered in Ferrero with four regi- 
ments of his brigade supported by Lieutenant Dickenson's horse 
battery. Fourth United States Artillery, which took position on 
a bluff to the left and front of a brick kiln at the left of the rail 
road. Under cover of this battery Ferrero moved forward, gal- 
lantly checking the advance of the enemy, forcing them back 
with heavy loss. The opening of Dickenson's battery was imme- 
diately followed by a concentrated heavy artillery fire upon it 
from the enemy, forcing a withdrawal in less than fifteen min- 
utes with the loss of Lieutenant Dickenson, four men, and a 
number of horses killed and many other men and horses wounded. 

The fire of artillery and musketry concentrated upon the Sec- 
ond Brigade (Ferrero's) after the withdrawal of Dickenson's 
battery was something terrific. To support in turn, Sturgis now 
ordered our brigade, the First (General Xagle) to advance and 
take position on the left of Ferrero, throw forward his (Nagle's) 
left and open a cross fire in front of the Second Brigade who 
were manfully standing up to their work. 

An alignment, a rapid movement by the right flank, a wheel 
into and along Third Street brought our regiment to the rear of 
the city. Deploying now to the left, a movement to the front 
brought u*s into position at the left of the railroad with the 
Sixth New Hampshire next us on our right and to the right of 
the Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroad, and the Seventh 
Rhode Island to the right of them, while on our left the Sec- 



38 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

ond Maryland and Ninth New Hampshire held position. Hav- 
ing now arrived within sight and range of the rebel artillery the 
opportunity for slaughter was at once taken advantage of, as tiie 
artillery fire from the heights fully assured us. 

At this time we were passing obstacles, climbing fences, etc., 
and as the solid shot and exploding shell came in contact with 
the outbuildings and board fences, the ripping, tearing and 
crashing was something terrific. An order to lie down, although 
immediately countermanded, developed the inconceivable rapid- 
ity with which a regiment of men can flatten out and disappear 
from view. 

A summons to "get out of that" brought us quickly to our feet 
and to a second alignment along the roadbed of the railroad, 
which here a shallow cut along the plain had changed direction 
towards the southeast parallel with our line and afforded par- 
tial shelter from the fire of the enemy. Previous to this our 
major having become disabled was borne from the field, while at 
this time our colonel was with the left of the regiment reform- 
ing on the roadbed and had swung ahead and partly around an 
eminence intervening. At this point, General Nagle coming to 
the front along the right, directed the company officers to take 
their men into action at once, whereupon the right moved rapidly 
out and ahead, breaking from the left, which was unable to move 
to the front having come upon the Second Maryland, which regi- 
ment had called a halt with no indication on their part of further 
progress. This state of affairs obliged Colonel Browne to move 
the left of the regiment by the right flank, then change direction 
to the front in the rear and along the same line as the right 
which had preceded him. This he gallantly accomplished, bring- 
ing along our colors and planting them in front of Marye's 
Heights where the right of the regiment already in action was 
awaiting him, within 200 yards of the stone wall at the foot of 
the hill. Meanwhile, owing to the impassable nature of the 
ground and the heavy enfilading fire of artillery and musketry 
concentrated upon the left of his (Nagle's) brigade from across 
Hazel Run, Sturgis directed Nagle to change direction, move by 
a. flank to the right and to the direct support of Ferrero. Ac- 
cordingly, the balance of the brigade coming to the front later, 
took position on our right leaving the Twelfth Rhode Island 
Regiment the extreme left on the firing line. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 39 

I will now relate concerning the right of our regiment after 
breaking away from the left. Our course to the front brought 
us directly upon a deep cut in the plain exactly at right angles 
with the direction taken by us to the front. A cut where the 
Gordonsville railroad (in progress of building about the time 
the war commenecd) crosses the plain and at our point of cross- 
ing some thirty feet deep. A plunge into this gave promise of 
shelter from the fire in our front and another halt to get our 
wind, but when at the bottom we found ourselves in a trap; for 
from elevated ground, across Hazel Run, at a very convenient 
distance to our left, hidden by the trees and bushes, the rebel 
riflemen and artillery enfiladed this cut and poured such contin- 
uous and deadly volleys that an earnest desire to gain the top of 
the opposite bank took possession of us. This feat was accom- 
plished only by a display of muscle seldom put on exhibition. A 
few of us, throwing off our rolls of shelter tents and blankets, 
made an onslaught on the bank and finally succeeded in landing 
ourselves at the top. Most of our men, however, unwilling or 
unable to scale the bank made a detour to the right, along the 
road some two hundred feet, turning to the front again where 
the road came to a grade with the plain. This was the course 
we all should have taken and thus have been able to have kept 
our formation; but our officers, owing to the confusion unavoid- 
able from this most dangerous situation, allowed a part of the 
men to scale the bank, at the top of which the concentrated fire 
of artillery from the heights and from muskets and rifles, along 
the sunken road at the base of Marye's Hill, not more than eight 
hundred yards in front of this cut, prevented our entertaining 
any thought of formation for a moment, and the old saying, 
"Devil take the hindmost/' was here fully illustrated. The most 
striking example falling under the writer's observation was that 
of an orderly sergeant of one of our companies, who, having been 
somewhat indisposed previous to the day of battle, was either 
excused, or more likely, excused himself from carrying the regu- 
lar equipment of the sergeant and went in burdened only by his 
sergeant's sword and belt, canteen and haversack, thus enabling 
him to go out of that cut like a cat up a tree. Being thus 
equipped for the race, and able to outstrip his comrades, a wave 
of his sword on the top of the bank and a shout for the boys to 



40 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

"come on,'' won for him special notice and honorable mention 
in the colonel's report, and very soon thereafter a lieutenant's 
commission. We could see our advanced line holding position 
a few hundred feet from the base of Marye's Hill, and making 
this our objective point, we moved to their support upon the 
run. At this point, the writer will here affirm that no arrange- 
ment for the annihilation of a regiment of men, or where they 
could have been brought under a more destructive fire, with that 
end in view, could have been made than that arranged for the 
reception of the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers at Fredericks- 
burg, Dec. 13, 1862. 

But to return. The writer's run from the railroad cut to the 
front line brought him alongside a small brick dwelling, to the 
rear of which he hastened; and here, fairly sheltered from the 
deadly fire poured upon us from Marye's Hill and the sunken 
road, now within from five to eight hundred feet of his halting 
place, he rested. Directly behind this house, partly covered by 
loose boards, was a cellar hole some six feet wide by eight long. 
Now, by the way, the writer has heard it affirmed that a hole 
in the ground, a stump, a rock or a fallen tree on the field of bat 
tie and within a certain radius will so affect soldiers of an un- 
certain temperament that they immediately strike out towards 
it. In corroboration of this, will say that the writer found 
himself drawn as by some irresistible influence towards this cel- 
lar hole. Lifting aside one of the boards he found most con- 
clusive evidence, beside his own experience, of the magnetism of 
cellar holes when under fire; for in that pit or cellar some dozen 
or more of our men lay packed, like sardines in a box, one on top 
of another. One among the number he recognized as one of his 
own company, — a man something over six feet in height who 
nearly measured the length of the hole as he lay the topmost one 
of all, flat upon his back. One of the men, fearing the writer was 
about to join them, with the tears coursing down his cheeks, en- 
treated him to keep out as the place, he said, would hold no 
more; upon which the writer quickly replaced the board and 
drew back to the shelter of the house. Only a few moments had 
elapsed after the writer's arrival here before he was joined by 
a comrade of his own company whom the writer had outstripped 
in the race, but who was doubtless cellar-hole proof, and together 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 41 

they left their shelter and pushed on to the support of the ad- 
vance line. 

By taking- advantage of a depression at the base of Marye's 
Hill within from five to seven hundred feet of the sunken road, 
Sturgis and his brigades held their ground. We were so near 
the hill that the rebel guns could not be depressed so as to bear 
upon us, and we held our position throughout the balance of the 
day. and by pouring an occasional volley upon the sunken road, 
assisted the subsequent advance of troops from the rear of the 
town. At sunset a most determined effort was made to carry the 
heights, but without avail, and, as darkness enveloped us, we re- 
treated from our position to the shelter of the town. 

Your writer will now again quote from Coffin that which re- 
lates to Sumner's divisions on the right where we were engaged. 
After relating what occurred under Franklin, he writes: 

"But while this was transpiring under Franklin on the left, 
there was a terrible sacrifice of life at the foot of Marye's Hill. 
Soon after noon French's and Hancock's divisions of the Second 
Corps, with Sturgis's division of the Ninth, advanced over the 
open fields at the rear of the town to attack the heights. Officers 
walked along the lines giving the last words. "Advance and 
drive them out with the bayonet,'' were the orders. The fifteen 
thousand in a compact body moved to the edge of the plateau. 
The hills are aflame. All of Longstreet's guns are thundering; 
shells burst in the ranks. The rebel skirmishers, concealed in 
the houses and behind fences, fire a volley and fall back to their 
main line. Onward move the divisions, firing no shot in return. 
Now a sheet of flame bursts from the sunken road and another, 
half-way up the slope. Hundreds fall, but onward, nearer to 
the hill, rolls the wave. Still, still, it flows on; it begins to 
break. Hancock's and French's divisions, unable to find shelter, 
are driven back upon the town. A portion of Sturgis's division 
reaches the hollow in front of the hill and settles into it. The 
attack and repulse have not lasted fifteen minutes. Sturgis is 
in the hollow so near the hill that the rebel batteries upon the 
crest cannot be depressed sufficiently to drive him out. He is 
within close musket shot of Cobb's brigade lying behind the 
stone wall at the base of the hill. Sturgis's men lie down, load 
and fire deliberately, watching their opportunity to pick off the 



42 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

gunners on the bill. In vain are all the efforts of Longstreet to 
dislodge them. Solid shot, shell and shrapnel are thrown to- 
wards the hollow without avail. A solitary oak tree near is torn 
and broken by the artillery fire and pitted with musket balls and 
the ground is furrowed by the deadly missies; but the men keep 
their position through the weary hours. This division is com- 
posed of two brigades : Nagle's, containing the Sixth and Ninth 
New Hampshire, the Seventh and Twelfth Rhode Island, Forty- 
eighth Pennsylvania and Second Maryland; and Ferrero's, com- 
prising the Twenty-first and Thirty-fifth Massachusetts, Eleventh 
New Hampshire. Fifty-first Pennsylvania and Fifty-first New 
York. 

"A second attempt is made upon the hill. Humphreys's divi- 
sion, composed of Tyler's and Briggs's brigades of Pennsylvania, 
nearly all new troops, lead the advance closely followed by Mor- 
rill's division of veterans. The lines move steadily over the 
fields under cover of the batteries which have been brought up 
and planted in the streets. Sturgis pours a constant fire upon 
the sunken road. Thus aided, they reach the base of the hill in 
front of Marye's, deliver a few volleys and then, with thinned 
ranks, retire to the shelter of the ridge. 

"The day is waning, Franklin has failed, but Sumner cannot 
see the day lost without another struggle and orders a third at- 
tack. Humphreys, Morrill, Getty, Sykes and Howard (or por- 
tions of their divisions) are brought up. The troops have been 
under arms from early daylight. They have had no food. All 
day they have been exposed to the fire of the rebel batteries and 
have lost heavily. Brooks's division of the Sixth Corps moves 
up Deep Run to engage in the last attack. All the batteries on 
both sides of the river are once more brought into action. Getty 
moves up Hazel Run to take the rebels in flank who are protected 
by the sunken road at the base of the hill. 

"It is sunset. The troops move out and across the open plains 
with a cheer. The ground beneath them is already crimson with 
the blood of fallen comrades. They reach the base of the hill. 
Longstreet brings down all his reserves. The hillside, the plain, 
the crest of the ridge, the groves and thickets, the second range 
of hills beyond Marye's, the hollow, the sunken road, all are 
bright flashes. Two hundred cannons strike out fierce defiance; 




Chaplain Samuel W. Field. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 43 

forty thousand muskets and rifles flame. The rebels are driven 
from the stone walls, the sunken road and the rifle-pits at the 
bottom of the hill. The blue wave mounts all but to the top of 
the crest. It threatens to overwhelm the rebel batteries, but 
we who watch behold its power decreasing. Men begin to come 
down the hill singly and in masses. 

"The third and last attempt had failed. The divisions return 
leaving the plain and the hillside strewn with thousands of brave 
men who have fallen in this ineffectual struggle.' 7 

I will also quote from Lossing's History of the Civil War, 
published in 1866, that which relates to the attack from the city 
as directed by General Sumner wherein he reports as follows : 

"Let us see/' he writes, "what Sumner was doing while a part 
of Franklin's corps was struggling so fearfully on the left. Sum- 
ner was to attack the Confederate front, when Franklin should 
fairly inaugurate the battle with a prospect of success. The 
conditions were complied with. At eleven o'clock he and his 
staff repaired to the Lacy House near the river, opposite Fred- 
ericksburg, from which he could have a full view of the opera- 
tions of his divisions. Couch's corps (Second) occupied the city 
and Willcox's (Ninth) the interval between Couch's and Frank- 
lin's right. Upon Couch fell the honor of making the first at- 
tack. At noon he ordered out French's division to be followed 
and supported by Hancock. Kimball's brigade led and the whole 
force, as it moved swiftly to the assault from the town, suffered 
greatly from the converging fire of the artillery on the heights 
which swept the plains below. Those batteries could be but lit- 
tle affected by the National guns on the distant Stafford Hills. 
On Marye's Hill, and behind a stone wall, on the road at its foot, 
near the town already mentioned, Longstreet was posted with 
heavy reserves behind him. Upon this formidable host, under 
the storm of iron from the heights which made great lanes 
through his ranks, French threw his columns and was met by 
murderous volleys at short range from . . . riflemen who 
had been summoned to position behind the wall. The struggle 
was brief and French was driven back shattered and broken by 
the loss of nearly one half his command while the victors shouted 
and yelled in wildest enthusiasm. Hancock, who was close be- 
hind, now closed up and with such portions of French's com- 



44 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

maud as were still organized, advanced in the face of a like tem- 
pest of shot and shell. His brigade fought most gallantly, es- 
pecially that of Meagher's, composed of Irishmen, who dashed 
themselves time after time against the force at the stone wall but 
without success, until the ground was strewn with two-thirds of 
its numbers. After a struggle of about fifteen minutes, Han- 
cock was driven back with great slaughter. Of five thousand six 
hundred veterans led by able and tried commanders, whom he 
took into action, two thousand and thirteen had fallen. How- 
ard's division came to the aid of French and Hancock ; and those 
of Sturgis and Getty, of the Ninth Corps, made several attacks 
in support of the struggling Second, but still no advance could 
be made. Finally, Burnside ordered Hooker across with such 
of his forces as he had in hand, saying, as he from the north bank 
of the river gazed upon the smoking heights for which his troops 
had been struggling unsuccessfully for hours, 'That crest must 
be carried to-night.' 

"Hooker crossed with three divisions, but on surveying the 
ground and learning the situation of affairs, he was so well sat- 
isfied of the hopelessness of the enterprise that he hastened to 
Burnside and begged him to desist from further attack. Burn- 
side would not yield, so Humphreys's division, four thousand 
strong, was sent out of the city by Hooker with empty muskets 
to use the bayonet only. They followed the track of French, 
Hancock and Howard. When almost up to the fatal stone wall 
which they intended to storm, these troops were hurled back by 
terrible volleys of rifle, balls, leaving seventeen hundred of their 
number prostrate on the field. Night soon closed the awful con- 
flict when the Army of the Potomac had nearly fifteen thousand 
less effective men than when it began the battle on the previous 
day. It was evident to the commanders engaged in the conflict 
that it would be useless to make any further attempt to carry the 
position by storm ; but General Burnside, eager to achieve vic- 
tory, prepared to hurl his own corps (the Ninth) on the follow- 
ing morning against the fatal barrier which had withstood 
French, Hancock, Howard and Humphreys. He was dissuaded 
by the brave Sumner, who was supported, in his opposition to 
the proposed movement, by nearly all the general officers. It 
was finally determined to withdraw the troops to the north bank 
of the Rappahannock. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 45 

"For two days (December 14tli and 15th they remained on the 
Fredericksburg side, while Lee, evidently ignorant of the real 
weakness and peril of his foe. fortunately maintained a defensive 
position and was engaged during that time in strengthening his 
works in anticipation of another attack. On the morning of the 
16th he was astonished by the apparition of a great army upon 
the Stafford Hills and by seeing none in front of his line. 

"During the night of the loth Burnside had quietly withdrawn 
his entire force and all his guns, taken up his pontoon bridges, 
and offered Lee full permission to occupy Fredericksburg. Tiie 
latter accepted the boon and boasted of a great victory in terms 
wholly irreconcilable with truth and candor/' 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 

[Series 1, Vol. XXI, Page 584.] 

C. S. 

Report op Col. Henry Coai/ter Tabell. Chief op Artillery. 

Camp near Frederic ksurg. Va., 

Dec. 25, 1862. 

. . . The division of Maj.-Gen. McLaws arriving here at the 
head of the column Thursday, November 20, ... it devolved 
upon me ... to place the artillery in position and prepare 
for the attack. . . . All but five of our batteries were so 
placed as to command not only the approach of the enemy on our 
right, but also the Telegraph road and the abandoned railroad 
called the Fredericksburg and Uordonsville Railroad, . . . 
and enabled us to give an oblique and almost an enfilading fire 
upon the enemy advancing from the various streets in Fred- 
ericksburg, and who were drawn up under the protection of the 
inequalities of the ground in front of Marye's Hill. The main 
battle on the left was fought to obtain this hill. Between this 
hill and the town of Fredericksburg, it is said, the Rappahan- 
nock formerly flowed. . . . 

My position enabled me to observe the enemy's left flank, upon 
which our guns opened a most destructive fire. . . . Several 
times their advance was repulsed by well directed fire of our 
batteries. . . . Once a whole brigade was dispersed and scat- 
tered in confusion to the rear. Once they made for the railroad 
cut, and several shells from our batteries exploded among them 
before they could escape from it. Once they charged by attempt- 
ing to cross the cut. running down one side and up the other. 



46 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

The right of Marye's Hill terminates almost precipitously. 
The Telegraph road passes on the right of the hill, and then 
turns almost directly at right angles at the foot and in front of 
the hill. The railroad cut and embankment would have enabled 
the enemy to come in almost perfect security within a short dis- 
tance of the right flank of our troops, drawn up behind the stone 
wall on the Telegraph road, and by a rapid charge to have our 
troops at the most serious disadvantage. Their advance could 
not have been effectually checked by the artillery on Marye's Hill 
owing to the conformation of the ground. . . . 

I have the honor to be. Major, very respectfully, 

HENRY COALTER CABELL, 

Colonel, Chief of Artillery, 
Major-Gen. McLaws > Division. 

Major James M. Goggin, 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXI, Pages 578 and 579.] 

Report of Gen. Lafayette McLaws, C. S. Army, Commanding 
McLaws' Division. 

Headquarters Division, 
Camp near Fredericksburg, Va., 

Dec. 30, 1862. 

My division occupied the front of defense. . . . One brig- 
ade was constantly on duty in the City to guard the town and de- 
fend the river crossings. . . . 

The brigade of General Barksdale, The Seventeenth Missist- 
sippi, Colonel (John C.) Fiser, and 10 sharpshooters from Col. 
(J. W.) Carter's regiment (The Thirteenth) and three companies 
of the Eighteenth Mississippi Regiment, Lieut. Col. (William 
H.) Luse, under Lieut. (William) Ratliff, were all the troops 
that were actually engaged defending the crossings in front of 
the City. ... As the enemy advanced into the town, our 
troops fell back to Princess Anne St. . . . 

The street fighting continued until 7 p. m. when I ordered Gen. 
Barksdale to fall back and take position along and behind the 
stone wall below Marye's Hill. . . . 

On the night of the 11th, the Eighteenth and Twenty-Fourth 
Georgia Regiments and Phillips's Georgia Legion of Cobb's brig- 
ade relieved General Barksdale's command behind the stone 




Quartermaster John L. Clarke. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 47 

wall, at the foot of Marye's Hill, Phillips's Legion on the left, the 
24th Georgia in the center, and Eighteenth Georgia on the right, 
occupying the whole front under the hill. . . . 

On the 13th . . . about 1 p. m., the 16th Georgia Regiment 
was sent to the support of General Cobb, also two regiments from 
Kershaw's brigade. Soon after this General Kershaw was di- 
rected to take his whole brigade and assume command as Gen. 
Cobb had been wounded and disabled. 

The South Carolina Regiments were posted, the 2nd and 8th, 
Col. (J. D.) Kennedy and Capt. (E. T.) Stackhouse command- 
ing, in the road doubling on Phillips's Legion, Col. (B. F.) Cook, 
and the 24th Georgia, Col. McMillan, and the 7th and 3rd South 
Carolina, Col. (James D.) Nance and Lieut. Col. (Elbert) Bland, 
on the hill to the left of Marye's house . . . about 4.30 p. m. 
the 15th South Carolina, Colonel DeSaussure, was brought for- 
ward and posted behind the stone wall . . . Captain (G. B.) 
Cuthbert, of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment, with his company 
of sharpshooters, was thrown out on the edge of Hazel Run, and 
did good service in annoying the flank of the enemy as their col- 
umns advanced to the attack. . . . 

L. McLAWS. 

Major-General. 

Maj. G. Moxley Sorrel. 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXI, Pages 588 and 589.] 

Report of Brig.-Gen. Joseph B. Kershaw, C. S. Army, Com- 
manding Kershaw's Brigade. 

Headquarters, Kershaw's Brigade, 
Near Fredericksburg. Va., Dec. 26, 1862. 

Major: I have the honor to submit a report of the operations 
of my command during the recent engagement. 

On the morning of the 11th instant, by daylight, the brigade 
was formed in line of battle in the position assigned me, the right 
resting at the left of Howison's Hill, and the left near Howison's 
Mill, on Hazel Run. . . . 

Saturday the 13th, about 1 o'clock of that day, I was directed 
to send two regiments into the City to the support of General 
Cobb, then engaged with part of his brigade at the foot of Marye's 
Hill. . . . Within a few minutes after. I was directed to 
take my entire command to the same point and assume command 



48 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

there. . . . The position was excellent. Marye's Hill cov- 
ered with our batteries . . . falls oft* abruptly towards Fred- 
ericksburg to a stone wall, which forms a terrace on the side of 
the hill and the outer margin of the Telegraph road which winds 
along at the foot of the hill. The road is about some twenty-five 
feet wide and is faced by a stone wall about four feet high on the 
City side. The road having been cut out of the side of the hill, 
in many places this last wall is not visible above the surface of 
the ground. 

The ground falls off rapidly to almost a level surface, which 
extends about one hundred and fifty yards, then with another 
abrupt fall of a few feet to another plain which extends some 
two hundred yards, and then falls off abruptly into a wide ravine 
which extends along the whole front of the City and discharges 
into Hazel Run. I found, upon my arrival, that Cobb's brigade, 
Col. McMillan commanding, occupied our entire front, and my 
troops could only get into position by doubling on them. This 
was accordingly done, and the formation along most of the line 
during the engagement was consequently four deep. ... I 
may mention here that, notwithstanding that their fire was the 
most rapid and continuous I have ever witnessed, not a man was 
injured by the fire of his comrades. . . . 

Line after line of the enemy deployed in the ravine and ad- 
vanced to the attack at intervals of not more than fifteen min- 
utes until about 4.30 o'clock when there was a lull of about a 
half hour, during which a mass of artillery was placed in position 
in front of the town, and opened upon our position. . . . 
Under cover of this artillery fire, the most formidable column of 
attack was formed which, about 5 o'clock, emerged from the ra- 
vine and . . . assailed our whole front. From this time un- 
til after 6 o'clock, the attack was continuous and the fire on both 
sides terrific. Some few, chiefly officers, got within thirty yards 
of our lines, but in every instance their columns were shattered 
by the time they got within one hundred paces. . . . Our 
chief loss was from sharpshooters after getting into position in 
the road, who occupied some buildings on my left flank in the 
early part of the engagement. . . . 

General Cobb I learn was killed by a shot from that quarter. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

J. B. KERSHAW, 

Brigadier-General , Commanding. 

M.v j. James M. Goggix, 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 49 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXI, Pages 180 and 181.] 

Report of Brig. -Gen. Henry J. Hunt, U. S. Army. Chief of 

Artillery. 

Artillery Headquarters, Army of the Potomac. 

Camp near Falmouth, Va., 

January 10, 1863. 

General: I have the honor to submit herewith a report of 
the general operations of the artillery of this Army from Dec. 
10th to 16th, 1862. 

It having been determined to cross the Rappahannock and at- 
tack the enemy in his position, I received orders from Maj.-Gen. 
Eurnside to make the necessary disposition of the artillery, to 
protect construction of the bridges, and to cover the passage of 
the army. . . . 

The right division was charged with the duty of clearing the 
hills on the south side of the river in front of them, and their 
slopes down as far as the town, to engage the enemy's batteries 
of position on the crests, and to sweep the plain from below the 
ford to the hills so as to clear it of the enemy, and thus aid the 
advance of Sumner's grand division in the assault. . . . 

The right center under the command of Colonel Tompkins, 
First Rhode Island Artillery, was directed to protect the throw- 
ing of the bridges, and to cover the pontoons and workmen by 
subduing the fire of the enemy's troops from the houses and cover 
opposite the points selected, to sweep the streets of all columns 
of re-enforcements, and to destroy any guns that might be placed 
in x>ositions to bear on the bridges. 

The left center under the command of Col. (now Brig-Gen.) 
R. O. Tyler, First Connecticut Artillery, commanded the ground 
between Sumner's left and Franklin's right, from Hazel Run to 
Deep Run, and was specially directed to prevent the enemy from 
re-enforcing either of his flanks from the other, except by the 
circuitous route in rear of bis position, to sweep the valley of 
Hazel Run, and to control the railroad bridge across it. . . . 

Orders were given for all the batteries first to concentrate 
their fire on such of the enemy's works or guns as should open on 
our masses as they approached the crossing places, second, to 
turn their fire upon such bodies of the enemy's troops as should 
offer to oppose the passage, third, to cover the deployment of 
troops when across, by checking any advance of the enemy, 
fourth, after the deployment, not to fire over the heads of our 
own troops except in case of absolute necessity, and lastly, to aid 



50 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

their advance, when possible to do so, by sweeping the ground in 
front of them with their fire. . . . 

At the upper bridges, there passed the river with Sumner's 
grand division nineteen batteries. The greater number of these 
could not be used, but were left in the streets of Fredericksburg, 
and a portion were ordered back to the north side. 

Of the nineteen batteries which crossed, seven were wholly or 
partly engaged. . . . Sumner's and Franklin's attacks (Sat- 
urday, December 13th) were entirely independent of each other. 
In Sumner's, the front of attack was limited by the Plank road 
on the right and Hazel Run on the left, and there was but little 
opportunity for the employment of artillery to advantage until 
the enemy's skirmishers and sharpshooters were driven off. The 
divisions accordingly moved out of town without their batteries, 
but artillery was soon called for. Dickenson's battery (four 10 
pounders), 4th U. S., of horse artillery, and Arnold's (six 3 inch 
guns), A 1st R. I., were then placed in action upon the outer 
edge of the high ground on which Fredericksburg stands. The 
first (a horse) battery being very much exposed, within a very 
short distance of the enemy's works, Lieut. Dickenson himself 
killed, and a number of his men killed and wounded. . . . 

I sent, on application of Gen. Couch, two batteries of six three 
inch guns each, (D 1st N. Y. Battery, Capt. Kasserow and 1st 
R. I. Battery, Capt. Waterman) under command of Major Doull, 
Second New York Artillery, Inspector on my staff, to replace it. 
Major Doull placed these guns on the right of the Plank road 
about eight hundred yards from the enemy's batteries, and at 
short musket range from their infantry, and preparatory to each 
infantry attack, the fire was directed obliquely to the left to take 
en echarpe the enemy's batteries, and, as far as possible, the 
stone wall at the foot of the hill behind which their infantry lay. 
During this time Arnold had been engaged with the enemy's bat- 
teries but was from his position compelled to cease action when 
our infantry advanced, as at such time it masked his fire. . . . 

In front of the crest occupied by these batteries (Kasserow's 
and Waterman's) was a second crest separated from the first by 
a wide ditch. About 3.30 p. m. it was determined by Gen. Couch 
to risk a battery in this position. Captain Morgan, his Chief of 
Artillery, carefully examined the ground, and directed Captain 
Hazard, Battery B, 1st R. I., to place his battery (six 12 
pounders) at the point indicated. 

The order was executed with coolness and gallantry, the bat- 
tery being brought within one hundred and fifty yards of the 
enemy's position. In about fifteen minutes, sixteen men and 
fifteen horses, including those of the Captain and his two Lieu- 
tenants (Bloodgood and Milne) were placed hors de combat. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 51 

Hazard's battery was supported by four guns of Captain 
Frank's battery (A) 1st N. Y. (12 pounders) which were taken 
into action in fine style a little to the left and rear of Hazard's. 

These batteries were withdrawn when the assault of Hum- 
phreys's division failed. . . . 

When these batteries were moved to the advanced ridge they 
were replaced on the first by Captain rhillips's (six 3 inch) gun, 
Battery E, 1st Mass., the fire of which was very effective. . . . 

Respectfully your most obedient servant, 

HENRY J. HUNT, 

Brigadier-General and Chief of Artillery, Army of the Potomac. 

Maj. Gen. J. G. Parke, 

Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomae. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXI, Pages 90-94.] 

Report of Gen. Burnside. 

New York, Nov. 13, 1865. 

. . . The forces under command of Gen. Franklin consisted 
of about 60,000 men. . . . 

One of the smallest divisions of the command (General 
Meade's) led the attack. At 9 o'clock it moved out. ... At 
11 o'clock it had moved one-half mile and halted without serious 
loss. ... At 12.05 p. m. General Meade's line was advancing 
in the direction I prescribed in my first order to General Frank- 
lin. 

At 1 p. m. the enemy opened a battery enfilading Meade. At 
1.15 p. m. infantry was heavily engaged, and Meade assaulted the 
hill. . . . From Gen. Meade's report it seems that he. had 
great difficulty in getting his command into position to assault 
the hill. The time occupied for that purpose was from a. m. 
to 1.15 p. m. In consequence of the smallness of Ms division and 
the absence of immediate and available supports, lie was forced 
to make frequent halts for the purpose of protecting his flanks, 
and silencing the enemy's artillery, but once in position, his divi- 
sion moved forward with the utmost gallantry. 

He broke the enemy's line; captured many prisoners and col- 
ors; crossed the road that ran in the rear of the crest, and estab 
lished himself at the desired point on the crest; and had he been 
able to hold it, our forces would have had free passage to the 
rear of the enemy's line along the crest. 



52 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

The supports which the order contemplated were not with him, 
and he found himself across the enemy's line with both flanks 
unprotected ... he was forced to withdraw from his ad- 
vanced position with his lines broken. . . . Gen. Meade and 
his troops deserve great praise for the skill and heroism dis- 
played on this occasion. Their brave efforts deserved better suc- 
cess, which, doubtless, would have attended them had he been 
well supported. . . . 

The Sixth Corps, the strongest and one of the most reliable in 
the army, commanded by Gen. W. F. Smith, was not seriously 
engaged in any attack during the day, as is stated in his report. 
Neither was the division of Gen. Burns, of the Ninth Corps, which 
was under the command of Gen. Franklin, at this time. . . . 

General Sumner's corps was held in position until after 11 
o'clock in the hope that Franklin would make such an impression 
upon the enemy as would enable him (Sumner) to carry the 
enemy's line near the Telegraph and Plank roads. Feeling the 
importance of haste, I now directed Gen. Sumner to commence 
his attack. . . . 

I supposed when I ordered Gen. Sumner to attack, that Gen. 
Franklin's attack on the left would have been made before Gen. 
Sumner's men would be engaged, and would have caused the en- 
emy to weaken his forces in front of Sumner, and I, therefore, 
hoped to break through their lines at this point. It subsequently 
appeared that this attack had not been made at the time General 
Sumner moved, and when it was finally made, proved in such 
small force as to have no permanent effect upon the enemy's 
line. . . . 

A. E. BURNSIDE. 

The Adjutant-General, U. S. A., 

Washington, D. C. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXI, Pages 93 and 94.] 

Report of Gen. Burnside. 

New York, Nov. 13, 1865. 

. . . It may be well to state that at 10.30 a. m. I sent Capt. 
Lydig, of my staff, to Gen. Franklin to ascertain the condition of 
affairs in his front as I was anxiously expecting to hear that the 
hill near Hamilton's had been carried. Capt. Lydig's written 
statement is as follows: 

"I found General Franklin in a grove of trees in the center of 




Capt. James M. Longsteeet. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 



53 



his command, and on delivering the message, I was informed by 
him that Meade was very hotly engaged, and that his men by 
that time were pretty generally engaged. He also added, 'I 
think that Birney had had orders to support them.' I then in- 
quired if any of General Smith's men were engaged and was told 
they were not. I returned to Headquarters, passing Capt. Gutts 
who arrived as I left Gen. Franklin, and reported the informa- 
tion to Gen. Burnside, who seemed at the time annoyed at the 
smallness of the force engaged, and expressed his surprise that 
none of General Smith's corps had been put into the fight. It 
was about 12.30 o'clock when I arrived with my report at Head- 
quarters. 

P. M. LYDIG, 
CapUt in and Aide-d&Camp." 

I next sent Capt. Cutts with an order to Gen. Franklin to ad- 
vance his right and front. 

Capt. Cutts states in his note book that he carried the order 
to General Franklin, and the General said to him that'it was im- 
possible to advance, upon which he returned to me, to show why 
General Franklin thought it was impossible to advance. 

When he communicated his reply to ine, he says that my reply 
was, "But he (General Franklin) must advance." 

I then sent Capt. Goddard to Gen. Franklin with an order 
which the following statement will explain : 

•'I was sent on the day of the battle of Fredericksburg to Gen. 
Franklin, on the left, with this order from Gen. Burnside. 'Tell 
Gen. Franklin, with my compliments, that I wish him to make 
a vigorous attack with his whole force; our right is hard pressed.' 
This order was given me about 1.30 o'clock in the afternoon, and 
I delivered it to Gen. Franklin in the presence of Gen. Hardie 
before 2.30 o'clock. 

R. H. I. GODDARD. 

Captain and Aidc-dc-Cam/p." 

I had before this sent to Gen. Franklin an order by telegraph 
directing him to make an attack upon the heights immediately 
in his front. 

A. E. BURNSIDE. 



54 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXI, Pages 315, 316, 317.] 

Report of Brigadier-General Samuel D. Sturgis, U. S. Army. 
Commanding Second Division. 

Headquarters, Second Division, 9th Army Corps, 

Near Fredericksburg, Va.. 

Dec. 24, 18G2. 

Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of the 
part taken by my Division in the late operations in the vicinity 
of Fredericksburg. 

In accordance with orders from your headquarters, my troops 
were massed near the. headquarters of Major-Gen. Sumner at 8 
a. m. on the 12th instant, preparatory to crossing over to Fred- 
ericksburg in rear of the Second Army Corps. The crossing was 
effected on the upper bridge by 11 a. m., and the Division took 
position on the streets next the river and parallel with it, where 
the troops remained throughout the day, and bivouacked for the 
night, the right, resting near the bridge, and the left, extending 
towards the right of General Getty. 

About noon on the 13th. 1 received orders from your headquar- 
ters to support Gen. Couch, who had been ordered to assault the 
enemy's works facing Fredericksburg. I moved my Division at 
once to the upper portion of the City toward the front, shelter- 
ing the troops as much as possible from the fire of the enemy 
under cover of the fences, houses, etc. Lieutenant Dickenson's 
battery (E). Fourth U. S. Artillery, was held in readiness to take 
up a position on a bluff to the left and front of the brick-kiln, 
with a view to driving the enemy from behind a stone fence used 
by his sharpshooters as a breastwork. 

Battery D, First Rhode Island Artillery, was held in reserve. 
Gen. Couch now commenced the attack, but the fire of the en- 
emy's artillery and musketry was so severe that his (Couch's) 
left was soon broken and rolled back in irregular masses towards 
the City. 

Observing this disaster, I ordered General Ferrero (12.30 
p. m ) to advance with four regiments of his brigade, leaving the 
5th (Colonel Potter's 51st New York) to support Dickenson's 
battery which was placed in position on the bluff before men- 
tioned. Under cover of the battery General Ferrero moved for- 
ward very handsomely, completely checking the advancing foe 
and forcing him back with heavy loss. 

As soon as Lieutenant Dickenson's battery opened, the enemy 
concentrated a very heavy artillery fire upon it, and I was forced 
in less than a quarter of an hour to withdraw it. Lieutenant 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 55 

Dickenson and some four men and a number of horses having 
been killed, and many others wounded. 

The fire of artillery and musketry which the enemy now eon 
centrated upon the second brigade (Ferrero's) was terrific, but 
they stood manfully up to their work. To relieve them in some 
degree, however, I sent forward the first brigade, under Gen. 
Nagle, with orders to take his position on the left of Ferrero 
and throw forward his own left a little, so as to open a cross-fire 
in front of the second brigade. This Gen. Nagle failed to exe- 
cute, owing to the existence of deep and impassable ravines in 
his front. I then directed him to move by the flank to the direct 
support of Ferrero, which was executed at a double-quick and 
with alacrity and rapidity. The Fifty-First New York (Colonel 
Potter) was now also ordered forward and moved up with that 
impetuosity which has characterized this gallant regiment on so 
many hard fought fields. My entire Division was now engaged, 
and every human effort was made that could be made to carry 
the rifle pits and stone fence, but without success. Every man 
fought as if the fate of the day depended upon his own individual 
exertion. They fought indeed until every cartridge was ex- 
pended, and even remaining upon the field long after their last 
cartridge was fired, and until regularly relieved at 7.20 p. m. by 
the Division of Gen. Griffin. 

I then drew my Division from the field under cover of Captain 
Buckley's battery (D), First Rhode Island Artillery, which was 
placed in position for that purpose on the bluff formerly occupied 
by Dickenson's battery, this latter having been ordered to an- 
other part of the field by Major-General Hooker. . . . 

It may not be improper to mention here the names of the regi- 
ments and their commanders composing my Division. They are 
as follows : 

First Brigade, General James Nagle: Seventh Rhode Island, 
Col. Z. R. Bliss; Twelfth Rhode Island. Col. G. H. Browne; 
Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. J. K. Sigfried; Sixth 
New Hampshire, Col. S. G. Griffin ; Ninth New Hampshire, 
Lieut.-Col. J. W. Babbitt; Second Maryland. Col. T. B. Allard. 
Second Brigade, Gen. E. Ferrero: Fifty-first New York Volun- 
teers, Col. R. B. Potter; Eleventh New Hampshire Volunteers, 
Col. W. Harriman; Fifty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. J. 
F. Hartranft; Twenty-first Massachusetts Volunteers, Col. W. 
S. Clark; Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers, Cant. S. H. 
Andrews. Light Battery D, First Rhode Island Artillery, Capt. 
W. W. Buckley. Light Battery E, Fourth United States Artil- 
lery, Second Lieut. John Egan, after Lieutenant Dickenson Avas 
killed. 

The Tth and 12th regiments R. I. Vols, and the 11th regiment 



56 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

N. H. being all new regiments and never having been in battle 
before, are deserving of great praise for their steadfast gallantry 
throughout the whole conflict. . . . 

I am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant, 

S. D. STURGIS, 
Brig. -Gen. Comma tiding Second Division. 

Capt. Robert A. Hutchins, 
Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters 9th Army Corps. 

OFFICIAL 11ECOEDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXI, Pages 319 and 320.] 

Report of Brig.-Gen. James Nagle, U. S. Army, Commanding 

First Brigade. 

Headquarters, First Brigade, 

Near Falmouth, Va., 
December 16, 1862. 

General: I have the honor to submit the following report of 
the part taken by my brigade in the recent operations against 
the enemy : 

On Friday morning, the 12th instant, in obedience to your 
order, I crossed the Rappahannock in the vicinity of the Lacy 
House, with my brigade, and took position under shelter on the 
op>posite side of the river. I remained in this position until 4 
p. m. when I moved my troops a short distance down the . . . 
street running parallel with the river, where the}' bivouacked for 
the night. 

On the morning of the 13th 1 moved my troops farther down 
said street left in front, until I came up with the right of Gen- 
eral Getty's troops. Here I remained until 12.30 p. m., when 
I, by your order, advanced to the support of General Ferrero, 
who was already engaged. I moved by the right of regiments to 
the front to pass obstacles until I got to the rear of the town 
where the regiments formed in line of battle. The 6th N. H., 
Col. Griffin, and the 7th R. I., Col. Bliss, advanced to the front, 
on the right of the railroad in good order, under a murderous 
fire from the enemy's artillery. The 2nd Maryland, Col. Allard, 
12th R. I., Col. Browne, and 9th N. H., Lieut-Col. Babbitt com- 
manding, being on the left of the railroad, were moved in order, 
under shelter as much as possible, to the railroad cut, and ad- 
vanced from there to the front. The 48 th Pennsylvania, Col Sig- 
fried, was for a time held in reserve. 

At 2.30 p. m. the 48th Penn. was ordered to the front. The 
men marched under a most galling fire like true veterans. The 




Lieut. Albert W. Delanah. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 57 

whole cf my brigade remained in the front, and did good service 
until after sixty rounds of ammunition had been expended, and 
until they were relieved at dusk by other troops, when, by your 
order, my command was withdrawn in good order to the position 
occupied the previous night. The men were here supplied with 
ammunition, and then bivouacked for the night. 

My brigade remained in the same position until Monday even- 
ing, when I was again, by your order, moved to the front with 
instructions to hold the City at all hazards. I placed my troops 
in position on the left of the railroad, and commenced to 
strengthen and fortify my position by throwing up entrench- 
ments and digging rifle pits, etc. At 11.30 p. m., by your order, 
I withdrew my command across the river to our former camp. 
Too much praise cannot be given to the officers and men of my 
command. . . 

The 12th R. I., being an entirely new regiment, some little dif- 
ficulty was had in getting them into position, but they behaved 
well, and did more service than was expected from raw troops. 
Col. Browne, who was the only field officer (Major Dyer having 
been disabled before going into action), is entitled to much praise 
for his personal conduct. . . . 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant. 

JAMES NAGLE, 

Brigadier-Genera I. 
General Sturgis, 

Commanding Second Division Ninth Army Corps. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXI, Page 324.] 

Report of Col. George H. Browne, Twelfth Rhode Island 

Infantry. 

Camp near Fredeuicksburg, 

Dec. 11, 1862. 

Sir: I have the honor to report that your order of yesterday, 
to move my regiment through the City and against the enemy in 
line of battle, found it resting on Sophia St., near the lower pon- 
toon bridge, from whence it moved by the front to the railroad 
track in good order. But there the left wing came up with the 
2nd Maryland, and, your orders directing us to follow them, it 
was waiting their movement when you personally ordered us 
forward. At this point, my major (having no Lieut.-Col.), be- 
ing in charge of right wing, was disabled; but it moved forward 
in tolerablv good order, and reached the front early. 



58 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

The 2nd Maryland not being moved, the left wing had to march. 
by the flank, and on reaching the exposed plain above, was 
thrown into considerable disorder. Co. E, however, and various 
portions of the other companies formed on the colors and bore 
them to the front where they were joined by the companies al- 
ready on the ground, and continued to deliver their fire until all 
of their ammunition was expended. After that, they remained 
some hours and tilf after dark; but receiving no orders, under 
the advice of the Senior Colonel, and following his example, I 
withdrew my command in good order to the position it occupied 
the evening previous. . . . 

. . . Of the companies entitled to commendation, A, F, E, 
and D are to be named ; of the officers. Captains Cheney and Hub- 
bard; Lieutenants, Briggs. Lawton, Hopkins, Abbott, Tabor, Al- 
exander, Roberts. Bucklin, and Pendleton ; Sergeants, Cole. Ba- 
con, Pollard, Ballon and Burgess, and Corporal Devolve. 

Lieut. Tabor, Lieut. Abbott, and Sergeant-Major Potter merit 
especial notice for their cool gallantry under the terrible fire that 
raked the plain across which the battalions moved. 

A list of the killed, wounded and missing is hereto appended. 

All of which is respectfully submitted by your 

Obedient servant, 

G. H. BROWNE, Col, 
Brig.-Gen. James Nagle. 

Commanding First Brigade. 

Return of casualties in the Union forces commanded by Maj.- 
Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, U. S. Army, at the battle of Fred- 
ericksburg, Va. 

Dec. 11-15, 1862. 

(Compiled from nominal list of casualties, returns, etc.) . . . 

Grand total killed, wounded, and missing, 12,653. 

I will now endeavor to describe more definitely our position 
in front of Marye's Hill, our retreat therefrom, etc. 

By actual measurement taken since the war, we find that a 
portion of the regiment advanced to within five hundred feet of 
the sunken road, falling back directh" some two hundred feet to 
where the balance of the regiment were massing in position. 
Here we remained until ordered to retire. We were on the ex- 
treme left of the advance line, the balance of Sturgis's division 
being mainly to the right of us, protected in a measure by a de- 
pression in the plain. Fortunately a slight elevation interven- 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 59 

ing between us and the enemy, with a sharper descent towards 
the city, on which incline we took position, afforded ns security 
in a measure from the fire of the enemy and also enabled us to 
move about with some little degree of freedom while waiting de- 
velopments. 1 

The advance of French's, Hancock's and Sturgis's divisions 
was in itself a most lamentable illustration of the fact that it 
was not possible for men to be brought one-third of a mile across 
an open plain exposed continually to the most destructive fire 
conceivable, and be found in condition at the extreme front for 
the final assault where nothing less than the sheer weight of 
overpowering numbers could have brought about a successful is- 
sue. 

It was expected that Franklin's attack upon the left would 
compel Lee to draw from Longstreet's division and make it pos- 
sible for Sumner to push forward. Franklin's failure allowed 
Longstreet his full measure of strength, which it was impossible 
for Sumner to overcome. 

Why Franklin, with all the resources at his disposal, should, 
after engaging Lee, fail to follow up the advantage gained by 
Meade's advance column is looked upon with astonishment. 
Meade had pierced Lee's lines, gaining decided advantage. Why 
did not Franklin push to Meade's support troops already in hand, 
compelling Lee to re-enforce his right from Longstreet's division, 
averting the terrible slaughter of Sumner's columns, and, instead 
of accepting defeat, achieve the victory within his grasp? 

We retained our position until the close of the day, at which 
time the final assault was made by Humphreys's division. Con- 
nected with this, a most splendid exhibition of artillery practice 
opened upon our view. 

General Sturgis having decided to hold his position no longer, 
his division having expended all or nearly all its ammunition, to 
cover his withdrawal at 5.15 o'clock, ordered in Battery D, First 
Rhode Island Artillery, Captain Buckley, which took position 
for that purpose on the bluff formerly occupied by Dickenson's 
battery. (See Official Records, General Sturgis's report.) 

Words fail to express the grateful feeling of relief coming over 



1 Our position was about one hunched yards to the left facing the hill of the 
historic " Brick House." 



60 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

ris as the darkness now fast closing in enabled us to watch the 
course (by burning fuse) of the deadly missiles from this bat- 
tery, as circling over our heads like rockets they sped on their 
mission to the heights beyond. Immediately the enemy concen- 
trated their fire upon this battery and our grandly helpful dis- 
play soon came to an end. 

The approach of darkness now enabled us to arrange for re- 
treat. Our colonel, in a few words enjoining upon us the strict- 
est silence, moved us quickly to the left and rear of our late posi- 
tion. Here again the railroad cut still asserted itself as a most 
dangerous thoroughfare, for having leisure, under cover of dark- 
ness, to lay our course, we moved towards Hazel Run as the easi- 
est route to the city. At this juncture a shell exploding just 
above our heads so illuminated ourselves and surroundings as 
to bring upon us a most terrible fire from the rebel riflemen, and 
the deadly enfilading volleys from across Hazel Run were again 
in evidence. Quickly responding to the order to lie down, we 
thus remained until the firing somewhat slackened, when, rising 
to the occasion, with a burst of speed we cleared that cut, enter- 
ing it at grade opposite Hazel Run, and again in the streets of 
the city, disheartened and despondent over our inglorious defeat, 
we awaited the final orders for the night. 

Waiving the usual arrangement in order of companies, it was 
only required of us to remain in the immediate vicinity, and we 
were allowed to cast about and arrange for the night as best we 
could, keeping within call of our officers in case of an emergency. 
Many of us found shelter in the abandoned houses close at hand, 
where, soon unconscious to all surroundings, continuous refresh- 
ing sleep throughout the long winter night brought the much 
needed relief. 

The house affording shelter to the writer and many others of 
our regiment was quite large and evidently the residence of well- 
to-do people who had doubtless hurriedly vacated, seeking safety 
within the rebel lines. To all appearances, none of the furniture 
had been removed. The beds, the carpets upon the floors, the 
piano, the pictures upon the walls, the easy chairs, the sofa in 
the room occupied by the writer and comrades, and upon which 
he had thrown himself in sheer exhaustion, all remaining, be- 
spoke a most hasty departure. * Thankful that we had found such 




Lieut. Luther Cole, Jr. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 61 

excellent quarters after our terrible experience, securing the 
doors, upon the thick, heavy carpet we stretched our weary limbs, 
while the night of the ever-memorable 13th of December, 1862, 
passed away. 

The morning was far advanced when, fully awakening to a 
realization of further responsibilities, we gathered ourselves to- 
gether. As yet no order to report for duty, and no call sounding 
for rations, our sharpened appetites naturally suggested an in- 
vestigation of the culinary department. Proceeding to the base- 
ment we found the finely equipped kitchen as anticipated, but 
whatever the condition of the larder might have been earlier in 
the day, nothing now remained excepting a bountiful supply of 
flour, which was being rapidly converted into flap-jacks. A wry 
large range, an abundance of fuel, and plenty of water at hand, 
with two or three dozen of our comrades gathered together as 
earnest workers, made it possible to turn out flap-jacks at a most 
surprising rate. 

A very fine looking elderly colored man, a tall, gentlemanly 
fellow, belonging to the owner of the premises, upon the hasty 
flight of the family remaining behind, glad, doubtless, of the op- 
portunity to show his good will towards the Yankee soldiers, 
presided over this restaurant, and the way that barrel of flour 
disappeared under his supervision, was something remarkable. 
After partaking of breakfast at our neAV-found restaurant, we 
returned to our room, remaining there throughout the balance of 
the day. 

At night a general recall brought our regiment together, and 
our company taking shelter in the garret of an unoccupied house 
close at hand, was ordered to lie upon their arms, keep quiet, 
and be ready for action at a moment's warning. 

These special orders fell upon us with most significant mean- 
ing as an indication of impending assault, and, although the im- 
portance of concealing our whereabouts was conceded, the degree 
of quiet desired was only obtained after a discussion lasting some 
ten minutes between two of our comrades (Lancashire men) over 
some trivial matter. 

How Avell the writer remembers with what unconcern these 
two fellows continued their conversation ignoring all thought of 
possible danger, and with what concern the writer listened to 



62 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

the broad dialect peculiar to the Lancashire men as it echoed 
about that unplastered garret, escaping through the roof and 
possibly finding lodgment in the ears of enemies not far distant. 
Towards morning there was a disturbance along the picket 
line, resulting in quite a sharp fusilade. We were all aroused, 
but the firing, which was quite rapid for a while, ceased, and 
we turned in again. 

In the morning we arose and were privileged in having another 
day of rest. At the close of this day, the 15th of December, un- 
der cover of the darkness now fast gathering around us, we were 
called into line and informed that we were to move at once, and 
also that the nature of our movement called for the utmost dis- 
cretion on our part. No matches must be lighted, and in all re- 
spects we were to march as noiselessly as possible, following 
which, the command, "Attention ! by the right flank, march !" 
ran along the line, and again our regiment, sadly depleted in 
numbers, mourning the loss of valued comrades, but still un- 
daunted, promptly and rapidly follow their leader, the colonel, 
as taking the same course as on the morning of the battle, they 
ascend the same steep hill, and under cover of darkness Egyptian 
(remembered as one of the blackest nights in all our experience), 
we take position just inside our advance picket. 

Here a detail of men was made from the regiment to procure 
picks and shovels, and, upon the arrival of these, the front rank 
was called upon, and, proceeding a short distance in advance, 
commenced throwing up an embankment, while the rear rank re- 
mained lying on their arms ready as a supporting force. 

Little did we think as we lay upon our arms, almost within 
the enemy's grasp, that instead of another advance we were here 
as a menacing force to cover the retreat of the army from the 
city, who were even then rapidly recrossing the bridges, leaving 
us to follow later, if Providence should favor us, and keep the 
knowledge of their movements from our enemies, the failure of 
which would most certainly result in our being cut off from fol- 
lowing their example, and a change of direction on our part early 
in the morning towards Richmond, as prisoners of war. 

About twelve o'clock the entrenching force was called in and 
quickly and as noiselessly as possible we hurried into the city, 
the evacuation of which was in evidence on every hand. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 63 

A few hours before, the streets were filled with soldiers, regi- 
ment upon regiment, battery upon battery, while now, hardly :i 
man was to be seen as we passed along the streets. The muffled 
tramp of men and horses in the direction of the pontoon bridge 
told our destination. Hurriedly we marched along, and, at one 
a. m. on the morning of the 16th, we recrossed the bridge (ap- 
parently the last regiment to leave the city), and continued on 
to inspect our luggage left at Claybourne's Run the morning of 
the 12th. 

Arriving, we take possession of our belongings, make ourselves 
for the balance of the night as comfortable as circumstances will 
permit, and wait further orders, much in the spirit of the old 
sailor, who, as the story goes, narrowly escaping shipwreck, 
finally made port, and, proceeding ashore, indulged somewhat 
freely in that which inebriates, and in a. somewhat dazed condi- 
tion strolled into a theatre, where, among other things presented 
in keeping with the play, was a realistic illustration of a thun- 
der-storm. While this was going on and the vivid lightning and 
crashing thunder was at its height, much to the gratification of 
the audience, the gunpowder, an indispensable factor in this ex- 
hibition, of which there was quite a large amount on hand in re- 
serve, unfortunately ignited, causing a most terrific explosion. 
Whereupon the old sailor, after being blown over the tops of ad- 
joining buildings, landed in a tangle of shrubbery unhurt, and, 
assuming this event as a part of the performance, was heard to 
exclaim, "what the devil will come next!" 

It will be remembered that up to this time we had been in the 
service but eight weeks, had journeyed from Rhode Island, had 
established different camps, and just completed a long and weary 
march. 

Why this regiment, not far removed from its base of supplies, 
should have been while on this march, forced to subsist on such 
miserable rations, is a mystery as yet unsolved, as only on this 
march along the Maryland shore of the Potomac, did mouldy 
hard-tack find a place in our bill of fare, and this the only thing 
available. 

It has been suggested by some that we were under the control 
of military experts in the interest of the government, and es- 
pecially detailed, that it might be known how far certain condi- 



64 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

tions most trying to the soldier might be continued, that our fit- 
ness for special service later on might be determined. For, when 
through fasting we were supposed to be ready for the next course, 
we were duly gathered together where the piercing icy blasts 
from the north pole could penetrate the very marrow of our 
bones, the remembrance of which at this distant day will send 
the sympathetic shiver along our spinal columns, as memory calls 
to mind our transit across the icy waters of the Potomac on the 
deck of an open ferryboat, during the early hour of evening on 
the 6th of December, 1862, and our subsequent exposure and suf- 
fering, waiting exposed to the terrible icy blasts, while a suitable 
place for the next course was under consideration. 

That we were finally consigned to a place especially adapted 
to the purpose in hand, and that the instigators of our misery 
were familiar with the final treatment accorded evil doers as out- 
lined elsewhere and fully illustrated here at Camp Smoke (bar- 
ring the brimstone) , goes without question. 

Now, while reviewing the events of the last two weeks, culmi- 
nating in our terrible experience at Fredericksburg, where also 
we are offered as a possible sacrifice to engage the attention of 
the enemy while the main body of the army make good their es- 
cape, the question arises, is it possible that we are already in 
fact, as appearances indicate, the scapegoat of the Army of the 
Potomac, detailed as of exceptional brawn and muscle, which our 
endurance under outrageous discipline fully corroborated? 

On the morning of the 16th our regiment was called into line, 
and, moving by the right flank, descended into a slough of bog 
and mire, emerging from which we came to a halt, having arrived 
at ground assigned us, and, in order of companies took possession 
and established our camp. This very undesirable location was 
only a short distance removed from where we made temporary 
camp before and after the battle, some four hundred yards north 
of where the highway crosses Claybourne's Run, in a broad val- 
ley opening to the south. This run, a small insignificant stream, 
zigzagged its way from the north along the centre of the valley, 
dividing our regiment encamped on either side. Those having 
shelter tents made use of them, while one-third of the regiment, 
about the number who encountered the railroad cut at its most 
difficult point of crossing, and who managed to push their way 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 65 

up the bank only after throwing off the regulation roll, were now 
without the indispensable blanket and tent, having left them be- 
hind, a most welcome gift to the enemy, who shortly thereafter 
gathered them in. 

Nearly a month elapsed before tents and blankets in sufficient 
quantity could be procured to replace those lost, and in the mean- 
time branches of trees were gathered and arranged, affording 
shelter. Some more enterprising burrowed in dugouts, and, as 
a distribution of tents and blankets was made before the storms 
came upon us, they managed to overcome the shortage, pulling 
through in fairly good condition. 

Some of our comrades, too many alas! unable to withstand 
further privation and suffering, were compelled to seek relief in 
the hospital, a few only to receive the glad welcome accorded the 
gallant comrade upon his recovery and return to his regiment. 

The writer, having his equipment of blankets and tent in com- 
pany with comrades equally fortunate, excavated for a founda- 
tion and erected their habitation. Commencing, we measured 
off a space some nine by sixteen feet, throwing out the earth to a 
depth of eighteen inches or thereabouts. Cutting logs, we placed 
them against the wall of earth, continuing these up some three 
feet from the bottom of our dugout. Placing a ridgepole length 
wise of our structure, at a sufficient height to clear our heads, 
we passed our tents over this, fastening them to the sides. Ob- 
taining rubber blankets later on we placed them over these shel- 
ter tents, which, of course, made us quite secure from the ele- 
ments without. ^Ye also constructed a fireplace, making our 
chimney of logs closely fitted together and cemented with the 
sacred clay, capping the same with a pork barrel. We found 
our fireplace very useful, the fire keeping our house warm and 
dry, and, as we sat and watched the burning logs, we could real- 
ize in a measure the comforts of civilization. 

Friday, the 19th, our regiment was detailed for picket duty 
along the northern bank of the Rappabannock, the right of our 
line resting at Falmouth, with headquarters at the Lacy House. 
Every Friday thereafter while stationed here at "Camp near 
Falmouth,'' we were called upon for this special duty, remaining 
on duty twenty-four hours. Our pickets were posted along the 
highway, from Falmouth to the bridge, crossing into Fredericks- 

5 



66 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

burg. Our duty here was rendered somewhat undesirable, 
through exposure to the cold blasts of winter coursing along and 
across the river. The pickets were relieved at frequent intervals, 
and, if, when at the rear as reserve, we could have had the com- 
fort derived from good rousing fires, we should have had no cause 
for complaint. But throughout the long winter nights no fires 
must be lighted, under which conditions it will require no 
stretch of the imagination to realize that this duty "was no pic- 
nic," as the saying goes. 

As a rule, the road defining our picket line ran along at the 
foot of the bluff. At one point, however, the river makes its 
way directly against the bluff, which here shows rock formation 
nearly perpendicular; the highway rising above this nearly to a 
level with the plain, descends again, as the river recedes from 
the foot of the bluff. Along this highway, at the top of the bluff, 
the wind at times swept most unmercifully, and at this point on 
one of the bitterest, coldest nights, returning from his post to 
where the reserve was stationed (the course of the wind giving 
us no chance of shelter), the writer found strong men in tears, 
having lost control of themselves through extreme suffering. As 
hereinbefore stated, many of our regiment, having through mis- 
fortune on the field of battle been deprived of the indispensable 
blankets, suffered exceedingly. 

The town of Falmouth is an old, dilapidated looking place, 
containing perhaps 1,000 inhabitants. It is situated at the head 
of tidewater on the Rappahannock, three-quarters of a mile 
above Fredericksburg on the northern slope, and is connected 
with the opposite side of the river by a bridge, which crossed di- 
rectly opposite the centre of the town. Half of the bridge on the 
Falmouth side stood uninjured; the balance contributing to the 
fortunes of war, nothing but the piers remained in evidence. 
The length of this bridge was perhaps six hundred feet, crossing 
the river at the height of about thirty feet. It was a wooden 
structure resting on piers of logs and stone. There is a consid- 
erable fall in the river opposite and above Falmouth, the bed of 
which, at this place and extending up the river as far as I could 
see, was one mass of broken rocks over which the water tumbled 
in considerable volume. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 67 

A large mill here in Falmouth was still in operation in a lim- 
ited way, turning out flour and meal, but the twelve sets of stone, 
with which this mill was equipped, an abundant water power, 
and the advantage of transportation by water to points far and 
near along the Atlantic coast, signified that Falmouth had en- 
joyed no little degree of prosperity in days gone by. 

Owing to the long continuance of dry weather the river could 
have been easily forded at the time we were there. 1 believe it 
was considered by many to have been a mistake in not fording 
the river and occupying the heights, which it was thought might 
have easily been accomplished at the time our advauce arrived 
here. Burnside. however, having had experience in the winter 
of '61 and '62, which was unusually rough and stormy, enter- 
tained fears, no doubt, of similar conditions, and would not ap- 
prove of a movement fraught with the great danger arising of 
the swollen, impassable Rappahannock dividing his army. In 
which event nothing but the pontoon so long coming, could have 
re-established communication. Alas! how much depended upon 
the prompt arrival of these pontoons as promised. — our great 
disaster averted, — victory instead of defeat. 

The bluffs upon the northern side of the Rappahannock at Fal- 
mouth and beyond Fredericksburg, are very high and precipi- 
tous, covered with a growth of wood and underbrush, with maxi- 
mum height at the Lacy House eighty or one hundred feet, while 
the southern shore, in direct contrast to the rugged northern 
bluffs, ascends from the river in rolling banks to a higher eleva- 
tion and rolling plain beyond, showing cultivation in its luxuri- 
ant verdure and great fertility of soil. 

To corroborate his statement concerning the remarkable fertil- 
ity of soil in this locality, the writer will say, that journeying 
this way in the Fall of 1)2 he found a field of corn covering the 
plain at the Phillips Farm and all the surrounding vast area 
so well known to all of us, and over which we marched and coun- 
termarched in '62 and '63. 

Continuing down the ravine and across the highway at the 
foot of the bluff, he found the clearing along the river, over which 
we passed to the pontoon bridge, covered also with a growth of 
corn, the stalks from ten to twelve feet in height, ears fully 



68 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

capped with golden grain, from ten to fifteen inches long and 
from two to three inches in thickness at largest diameter ; 
while about Falmouth, along and near the river, smaller patches 
of even larger growth were on every hand, stalks occasionally 
sixteen feet high with corresponding ears ready for the harvest. 
In those garden patches could be found sweet potatoes, 
squashes, tomatoes and all things appertaining to garden pro- 
ducts in the greatest abundance. 

By the way, having had experience raising pole beans in Rhode 
Island, which, among other items, includes the cutting and 
sharpening of poles, taking them into the field, making the holes 
with a heavy iron or steel bar of sufficient depth to keep the 
poles erect, and then inserting these poles, mount them, with a 
leap or jump, that they might be set firmly into the ground; — 
when the writer says that this is no easy job he thinks he will be 
borne out in his assertion. But lo and behold! here he found 
peas and beans planted with the corn in the same hill, and, when 
ready for climbing, finding the needed support already at hand, 
would tackle that cornstalk, and, after a climb of ten feet or so, 
giving up the chase would develop an array of pods in great 
abundance, filled to bursting, the faintest glimpse of which, 
would make a bean-eating Bostonian leap for joy. 

From Fredericksburg, a wagon road running along parallel 
with the river and connecting with the bridge at Falmouth, was 
doubtless occupied by the rebel pickets when screened from ob- 
servation by darkness. While our soldiers as a rule made no at- 
tempt to conceal their movements by daylight, the rebels kept 
themselves covered both day and night. 

Although surprising as it appears to me, through all my ex- 
perience in and about Falmouth and Fredericksburg, before, 
during, and after the battle, I was rarely able to set my eyes on 
a man, with or without the equipment of the soldier, whom I had 
reason to believe was in the service or sympathy of the Confed- 
erates. But that they were about us, and not far distant, we 
had most convincing proof, nevertheless. And although within 
five hundred feet of the sunken road, at the foot of Marye's Hill, 
whence the terrific fire could only have resulted from the pres- 
ence of rebels, massed in large numbers, although comrades 
claimed to see an occasional movement, I failed to notice it. 




( 'apt. Edward S. Cheney. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 



69 



That they were in condition to withstand our assault without 
exposing themselves to view, reflects much credit on rebel engi- 
neering. And to those of us who were in position to observe the 
volume of their fire, when, and how delivered, we could realize 
that on their part, no ammunition was to be needlessly expended. 

January 17th we received marching orders; packed our knap 
sacks accordingly, filled our haversacks with rations, and pre- 
pared to move at once. 

All things seemed to indicate an early movement. Sunday, 
the 18th, passed by. 

Monday, the 19th, regiment after regiment marched past our 
camp. 

Tuesday, the 20th. it was plainly evident that the "Grand 
Army" of the Potomac was in motion. This day at our "dress 
parade'' an address from General Burnside was read to us, call- 
ing us once more to face the enemy. Our colonel had orders to 
move the regiment that night, or early the following morning. 
Ai nightfall the wind, which had been blowing fresh from the 
southeast, threatening rain for two days, suddenly veered to the 
northeast and the expected storm burst upon us; consequently, 
we remained in camp. It continued raining until the morning 
of the 23d. when it finally ceased. This storm will be remem- 
bered as defeating the plan of General Burnside to again cross 
the Rappahannock at another point and engage the enemy from 
another direction; this plan failing, we resumed our regular 
duty. 

Friday, the 23d, was the appointed day for picket duty. 

A saying had already obtained among us, that when the 
Twelfth Rhode Island moved the storm ceased. Sure enough, al- 
though raining in the morning, showing no sign of clearing off, 
immediately the regiment moved the clouds began to disperse, 
and. upon reaching Falmouth, the sun came out. and, at two 
v. m., not a cloud was to be seen. 

We took up our quarters in an old meeting house or church 
(still standing in 1892), "much the worse for wear." on the 
heights of Falmouth, overlooking the entire village, the city of 
Fredericksburg and the river for a mile or more in each direc- 
tion. 



70 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

The army commenced its return movement the morning of the 
23d, and the highway was thronged with batteries, baggage wag- 
ons, ambulances, and men moving to their old quarters. Just 
at nightfall I was in the village, and at that late hour battery 
upon battery, ambulance upon ambulance, lined the street, hur- 
rying back to their respective quarters. One need but to have 
seen this immense amount of war material on exhibition, to have 
been assured of the great strength and effectiveness of the Army 
of the Potomac. As the enemy were opposed to us in large 
force, and disposed no doubt for desperate efforts (as we had 
every reason to believe), we expected soon another bloody strug- 
gle. 

Through the interposition of a merciful Providence it was 
postponed for the time being. However, we had faith to think 
that the enemy would finally be obliged to yield to the irresist- 
ible force of our army, and patiently waited the appointed time 
that would bring sorrow, shame, and defeat to the enemy, and 
crown our arms with victor} 7 . 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXV, Page 3, Part 2.] 

General Orders, ] 
No. 20. j 

War Department, Adjt.-Gen's. Office, 

Washington, Jan. 25, 1863. 

The President of the United States has directed : 

I. That Maj.-Gen. A. E. Burnside, at his own request, be re- 
lieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac. 

II. That Maj.-Gen. E. V. Sumner, at his own request, be re- 
lieved from duty in the Army of the Potomac. 

III. That Maj.-Gen. W. B. Franklin be relieved from duty in 
the Army of the Potomac. 

IV. That Maj.-Gen. J. Hooker be assigned to the command 
of the Army of the Potomac. 

The officers, relieved as above, will report in person to the 
Adjutant-General of the Army. 

By order of the Secretary of War, 

E. D. TOWNSEND, 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 71 

OFFICIAL EEC ORBS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXV, Page 4, Tart 2.] 

Ex e< jutive Mansion, 
Washington, D. C, January 20, 1863. 

Major-Gen. Hooker: 

General: I have placed you at the head of the Army of the 
Potomac. Of course, I have done this upon what appears to me 
to be sufficient reasons, and yet I think it best for you to know 
that there are some things in regard to which I am not quite sat- 
isfied with you. I believe you to be a brave and skillful soldier 
which, of course, I like. I also believe you do not mix politics 
with your profession, in which you are right. You have confi- 
dence in yourself, "which is a valuable, if not an indispensable, 
quality. You are ambitious, which, within reasonable bounds, 
does good rather than harm; but I think that during General 
Burnside's command of the army, you have taken counsel of 
your ambition and thwarted him as much as you could, in which 
you did a great wrong to the country and to a most meritorious 
and honorable brother officer. I have heard, in such a way as 
to believe it, of your recently saying that both the Army and 
the Government needed a dictator. Of course, it was not for 
this, but in spite of it, that I have given you the command. 

Only those generals who gain successes can set up dictators. 
What I now ask of you is military success, and I will risk the 
dictatorship. 

The Government will support you to the utmost of its ability, 
which is neither more nor less than it has done and will do for 
all commanders. 

I much fear that the spirit, which you have aided to infuse 
into the army, of criticising their commander and withholding 
confidence from him, will now turn upon you. I shall assist you 
as far as I can to put it down. 

Neither you nor Napoleon, if he were alive again, could get 
any good of an army while such a spirit prevails in it. 

And now beware of rashness. Beware of rashness, but with 
energy and sleepless vigilance go forward and give us victories. 

Yours, very truly, 

A. LINCOLN. 



72 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXV, Pages 4 and 5, Part 2.] 

General Orders, 
No. 9. 

Headquarters, Army of the Potomac. 
Camp near Falmouth, Va., January 26, 1863. 

By direction of the President of the United States, the com- 
manding general this day transfers the command of this Arnry 
to Maj.-Gen. Joseph Hooker. 

The short time that he has directed your movements has not 
been fruitful of victory, or any considerable advancement of our 
lines, but it has again demonstrated an amount of courage, pa- 
tience, and endurance that under more favorable circumstances 
would have accomplished great results. 

Continue to exercise these virtues; be true in your devotion 
to your country, and the principles you have sworn to maintain ; 
give to the brave and skillful general, who has so long been iden- 
tified with your organization, and who is now to command you, 
your full and cordial support and co-operation, and you will de- 
serve success. 

In taking an affectionate leave of the entire army from which 
he separates with so much regret, he may be pardoned if he bids 
an especial farewell to his long-tried associates of the Ninth 
Corps. His prayers are that God may be with you. and grant 
you continual success until the rebellion is crushed. 

By command of Major-General Burnside, 

LEWIS RICHMOND, 

Assistant Acljt.-Gcncral. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXV, Page 6, Part 2.] 

General Orders, 
No. 1. 

Headquarters Right Grand Division, 

Near Falmouth, Va., 

January 26, 1863. 

In pursuance with General Orders No. 20 from the Adjutant- 
General's Office, War Department, Washington, January 25th, 
1863, I announce to the Right Grand Division that I have been 
relieved from duty in the Army of the Potomac by order of the 
President of the United States. 




Lieut. John S. Roberts. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 73 

1 have only to recall to you the memory of the past, iu which 
you have fought so many battles with credit and honor always, 
in which you have captured so many colors without losing a sin- 
gle gun or standard, and to urge that, keeping this recollection 
in your hearts, you prove always worthy of it. It is only in so 
doing that you can retain for yourself a reputation well won, 
and which I feel will be preserved under the gallant and able 
commander, Major-General Couch, to whom I confide you. 

E. V. SUMNER, 

Brevet Major-General ('. 8. Army. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXV, Page 12, Part 2.] 

Washington, D. C, January 31, 1SG3. 
Maj.-Gen. Joseph Hooker, Commanding Army of the Potomac: 

General: The Ninth Army Corps, now under your command, 
will be sent to Fort Monroe to report to Major-General Dix. . . . 

H. W. HALLECK, 

General-in-Chief. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXV, Page 44, Part 2.] 

Washington, D. C., Feb. 4. 1803. 

Major-General Hooker : 

Maj.-Gen. Burnside is the permanent commander of the Ninth 
Corps. 

Make such temporary changes as you may think proper. 

H. W. HALLECK, 
General-in-Chief. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXV, Pages 52 and 53, Part 2.] 

Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, 

Camp near Falmouth, Va., 

February G. 1863. 

Col. J. C. Kelton, Assistant Adjutant -General: 

I have the honor to enclose herewith copies of Special Orders 
Nos. 35 and 3G, directing the movements of the Ninth Corps. . 



74 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

. . It will be observed that Major- General W. F. Smith has 
been ordered to the Ninth Corps. . . . The Ninth Corps will 
be shipped as rapidly as the transportation is furnished for that 
movement. 

One brigade embarked to-day. . . . 

Very respectfully, &c., 

JOSEPH HOOKER, 

Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 

Realizing the tremendous effort put forth on both sides en- 
gaged in this sanguinary struggle, when men of science and 
genius all over the civilized world are largely turning attention 
to the production of appliances and machinery insuring greater 
means of defence, or a corresponding increase in ability to 
slaughter, some thoughts naturally suggest themselves. 

We cannot but acknowledge the fact, that from time immemo- 
rial the differences of men upon approaching a certain point, 
where "forbearance ceases to be a virtue," have culminated in 
this summary way of cutting, slashing, and braining one an- 
other. Still it does seem very unfortunate that these differ- 
ences cannot be settled by other methods. History rarely makes 
mention of other ways provided, and I trust we are following the 
appointed way by laying on "hip and thigh." 

From Saturday, January 24th, to Tuesday the 27th, the 
weather was quite warm, with occasional showers of rain. 

Wednesday morning we found it snowing, the air extremely 
cold, the wind from the northeast blowing a gale, which con- 
tinued throughout the day. 

Thursday, the 29th, was sunny, warm, and pleasant, and we 
had no more rain until Sunday, February 1st, when we had to 
submit to another rainy day, which, though unpleasant, was the 
means of clearing off the snow. 

The day before, we enjoyed a visit from one of Uncle Sam's 
paymasters, and received our pay from date of enlistment to 
October 13th. 

Tuesday, February the 3d, was severely cold, the wind blowing 
from the northeast again, with frequent snow squalls. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 75 

Thursday, the 5th, rumors were afloat that we were soon to be 
removed from our present situation. 

Sunday, the 8th, had orders to provide ourselves with three 
days' rations, as we were to proceed to Acquis Creek the next 
day by rail, and from thence by transports to Fortress Monroe. 

Monday opened up pleasantly, and, at three r. m., we "struck 
our tents," or, in other words, dismantled our dugouts, and bade 
farewell to "Camp Mud." At 4.30 p. m. we stacked arms along- 
side the railroad depot in company with other regiments of our 
brigade, waiting our turn. At 5.30 p. m. we were aboard the 
cars, and, after the usual delay, finally started on. 

Although thankful that we were called to other fields of ac- 
tion, sorrow filled our hearts for comrades left behind. Though 
blinded by the gathering tears, we take a final look afield, where 
brave and loyal comrades lie in silence evermore among the dead. 
Buoyant and hopeful, trusting and loyal, they shared with us the 
hardships of the march with ever ready, helping hand to smooth 
the way. No more their presence cheers along the weary road. 
In battle's crash and gloomy camp the summons came, far from 
kindred, friends, and home. 

" For them no more the blazing hearth shall burn, 
Or busy housewife ply her evening care, 
No children run to lisp their sire's return, 
Or climb his knees the envied kiss to share." 

Proceeding slowly, we did not reach Acquia Creek until ten 
o'clock in the evening, where, without delay, we boarded the 
steamers Metacomet and Juniata, that were in waiting to receive 
us. Hauling into the stream, we here passed the night. 

The morning of the 10th dawned upon us promising a pleasant 
day. 

By the way, through letters from home we received the wel- 
come news that a vessel had been chartered to deliver whatever 
our friends at home chose to contribute and send to the boys of 
the Twelfth as a reminder that, though absent, they were not 
forgotten. Later on we learned that this vessel was already on 
its way freighted with boxes and barrels, the contents of which 
we were anxious to investigate. Still later on we received the 
somewhat discouraging news that our cargo was afloat some- 



76 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

where on the Atlantic coast, its guardians watching for an op- 
portunity to interview some one authorized to receive it. 

Having learned that our regiment was due at Acquia Creek 
the 9th, they trimmed their sails accordingly, and, on the morn- 
ing of the 10th, the long expected schooner Elizabeth and 
Helen, with freight for the Twelfth Regiment Rhode Island Vol- 
unteers having arrived during the night, lay at anchor close by, 
waiting instructions. Colonel Browne lost no time in interview- 
ing the skipper and arrangements were made to deliver the cargo 
later on at Newport News. Returning to the steamer, the col- 
onel brought along, among other things found aboard for himself 
and staff, two barrels of apples for the boys. It may be needless 
to say here that these apples were immediately sampled and duly 
appreciated. At 11.30 our quartermaster's stores came along- 
side, were taken aboard, and, weighing anchor, we started down 
the river. 

It was a beautiful morning and all were in good spirits. Our 
steamer, the Mctacomet, proved a fast sailer. The Juniata, 
which passed us before we started, we soon overtook, and, as we 
passed Point Lookout, at five p. m., and entered the broad waters 
of the Chesapeake, the Juniata was fast falling astern in the 
distance. Sometime during the night, where sufficient space 
could be found between decks, we stretched ourselves for rest. 

At six a. m., the 11th, we turned out to ascertain our where- 
abouts and look upon new scenes. We found the wind blowing 
fresh from the east, and a cloudy sky threatening rain. We also 
learned that we were in Hampton Roads, close in shore, and 
within three- fourths of a mile of the village of Hampton. There 
were quite a number of vessels in the Roads, steamers, schooners, 
gunboats, etc. 

Our companion, the Juniata, lay a short distance from us, hav- 
ing finally caught on. 

At about nine a. m. we started for Newport News, passing 
close to the Rip Raps, a ledge of rocks so named, between For- 
tress Monroe and the opposite shore. Since the war commenced, 
this place had been fortified to some extent and was becoming 
somewhat celebrated as a place of confinement for those under 
restraint, or suffering punishment at the hands of the govern- 
ment. 







Lieut. Joseph C. Whiting, Jr. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 77 

We arrived at Newport News, landing at twelve m., and pro 
ceeded immediately to disembark. We filed off the boat upon 
the piers, came upon "terra firnia," and, filing to the left, con- 
tinuing on, we gained the top of the bluff at easy grade and 
stacked our arms, whereupon our colonel leaving us, while he 
made report to the commanding officer, Major-General Dix, we 
took the opportunity to become acquainted with the sights and 
scenes of Newport News. The Cumberland, sunk by the Merri- 
mac, lay opposite the landing, a short distance away, her three 
lower masts and bow only remaining above water, of what was 
once considered one of the finest vessels in the service. What 
was left of the Congress also, after her encounter, lay one mile 
below, the outline of her hull plainly visible above water. It 
was fortunate that the Monitor made her appearance in time to 
call a halt. 

This place as a military post, had been built up since the war 
began. Opposite the landing, the buildings extended from the 
beach up and along the bluff, to the level space above. The 
height of this bluff was about forty feet above high water mark 
for a mile or two, in either direction from the village, and ex- 
tending to the rear from this bluff was a level plain, half a mile 
in width, and in length as far as the eye could reach. Upon this 
level space, well towards the rear, the different regiments were, 
encamped, presenting a very fine appearance. The space in 
front of our camp, one-fourth of a mile in width between our 
camp and the bluff, was used for drill and parade. The ground, 
from the top of the bluff to the rear, descended gradually. A 
few hundred feet to the rear of our camp, we obtained plenty of 
water. A short distance to the rear of our water supply was the 
swampy forest upon which we levied at once for fuel. Although 
for the last two years the woodman's axe had told effectively 
upon these noble trees, still a goodly supply was left standing. 
That we had arrived on more hospitable shores was plainly evi- 
dent, even the denizens of the forest contributed in choral voice 
their greetings to the soldier, making melody far into the still 
watches of the night. 

The piping frog heralding the coming Spring ; 
Piped his familiar notes, in song continuous. 
While from his perch, the owl sent forth 
In dissonance, his hoot and howl. 



78 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

The camp of the Twelfth Rhode Island was about one-third of 
a mile from the landing to the northwest. 

The following correspondence from the Providence Journal 
at this time may be of interest to our readers : 

Twelfth Regiment, R. I. Vols., 
Newport News, Va., March 14, 1863. 

Capt. W. E. Hubbard, of Company F, was yesterday made the 
recipient of a beautiful sword, belt, and pistol, by the non-com- 
missioned officers and privates of his company, as a token of 
their high respect and esteem for their commanding officer. 

The presentation speech was made by Andrew M. Belcher, as- 
sistant in the quartermaster's department, and a member of Com- 
pany F. The captain responded in a few and very appropriate 
remarks, expressing his interest in the welfare of his men, as 
well as his confidence in their integrity and valor as soldiers, 
and assuring them that he would never call upon them to go 
where he would not lead them. 

The speech was received with three rousing cheers for the cap- 
tain, immediately after which the quartermaster, John L. Clarke, 
drew from beneath his overcoat another most beautiful sword, 
sash, belt, and equipments, which he presented to Lieut. Fran- 
cisco M. Ballou, from friends at home. 

The presentation speech was well suited to the occasion, and 
the new lieutenant, although taken evidently by surprise, re- 
sponded in a happy manner, after which three cheers being given 
for Lieutenant Ballou, and three for the quartermaster, the com- 
pany "broke ranks," all well pleased with the entertainment. 

Such scenes have been of rare occurrence since we left Camp 
Stevens, but they nevertheless have a very happy effect upon the 
regiment inspiring confidence in both officers and men, and 
thereby promoting the general good of the whole. 

The village of Newport News was enclosed upon the north and 
west, by palisade and ditch, to repel attack from the rear. In 
this enclosure was the barracks for the men and the usual space 
allowed for drill and parade. Outside this enclosure, upon the 
east, other barracks had been built. Nearly all the buildings 
were of logs, — some of them, put up as storehouses for traders 
and quartermasters' supplies, were of rough boards evidently 
not intended for permanent use. In extent these buildings were 
scattered over an area of half a mile in length, along the water 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 79 

front. The bay of itself is a beautiful sheet of water, and op- 
posite us was perhaps four miles in width. 

As we stood upon the bluff facing the water, just beloAv upon 
the opposite side we could discover the opening leading to Nor 
folk; to the right we could see the mouth of the James Kiver, 
and directly at the entrance could be seen one of our gunboats. 

In front of us were a few craft whose general appearance be- 
spoke their calling. The Galena, which will be remembered as 
taking part in the attack upon Fort Darling, lay in the bay op- 
posite us. Judging from her appearance and reputation, when 
called upon again she doubtless would have been able to give 
a good account of herself. The Minnesota lay one and one- 
half miles below us. If the Monitor had not come to the 
rescue, instead of the noble vessel lying now before us, she would 
doubtless have presented the same sorry figure as the Congress 
and Cumberland, undoubtedly sharing the same fate. Included 
in this fleet were three gunboats of the Monitor pattern. These 
boats needed no praise, and were particularly expected to speak 
for themselves. 

February the 12th, the next day after our arrival, it being 
warm and pleasant, some of the more enterprising members of 
the regiment entered the woods and commenced logging, being 
desirous of more comfortable quarters than the shelter tent af- 
forded. 

On the loth my comrades and myself interested in our particu- 
lar house, realizing that we were on the verge of collapse, ad- 
journed business until such time as we felt better able to con- 
tinue, as we found, upon encountering the heavy timbers at hand, 
that we had engaged in very laborious work, the hauling of the 
logs to our camp, some quarter of a mile or more, reminding us 
quite forcibly of our experience poling hay across the bog- 
meadows and marshes of Rhode Island, at home, with thermom- 
eter ranging from 85° to 100 Q in the shade, an occupation desig- 
nated by one of our townsmen as ''soul-carting.'' 

The 16th, it commenced storming, thus putting a stop to house 
building operations, but the Elizabeth and Helen having arrived, 
our boxes and packages from home were soon afterwards brought 
to camp and distributed among the eager and expectant recipi- 
ents. 

Many of the boxes filled largely with material of a perishable 



80 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

nature requiring prompt delivery, came to the comrades par- 
tially or entirely ruined, through delay in transit. 

My contribution of one-half a barrel of apples from home, 
came to hand in good condition and received prompt attention. 
One barrel addressed to Company F was turned upon the ground 
in the company street and was immediately taken care of. 

Saturday, the 21st, our colonel ordered all log huts leveled 
and taken off the ground. This was done. New A tents were 
issued and put up at once, having just time to pitch them before 
it commenced raining. In the night it snowed, and the follow- 
ing morning it rained again, continuing through the day. Upon 
the whole, the regiment was better off for the new tents, as many 
of the boys, having nothing but the shelter tent were poorly pro- 
vided for, but for those disposed to provide better quarters, the 
change was submitted to with an ill grace. 

Wednesday, the 25th, the Ninth Army Corps, here encamped, 
passed in review before General Dix. 

Saturday, March the 14th, we took part in a sword presenta- 
tion, — Company F presenting its captain with a beautiful sword, 
revolver, and sword belt, etc. The money was raised by the com- 
pany, and the articles were purchased by J. L. Clarke, our quar- 
termaster. 

Our second lieutenant, who had lately received his commis- 
sion and assignment to Company F, was also presented with 
sword, sword belt, revolver, cap, etc., from kind friends at home. 
These were also brought on from Rhode Island by Mr. Clarke 
who had just returned to his regiment after an absence of two 
weeks. The camp of the Twelfth Rhode Island was conceded to 
be the finest looking on the grounds. The streets were well laid 
out and were kept swept clean. The tents were new and pre- 
sented a uniform appearance. The regiment had improved 
greatly, being well fed, clothed, and finely equipped. Beside the 
regular army ration in abundance here, we will not forget the 
ranch just outside the limits of our camp, at which place the 
sons and daughters of Ham built up a flourishing trade with the 
boys. The fine quality of the ojsters abounding in the waters 
near at hand was fully demonstrated here, while the fried 
chicken, cake and pies, brought in and sold at very reasonable 
rates, insured a "right smart" trade at once. Truly we must 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 81 

admit that the institution of slavery had developed amongst the 
dusky matrons of the South a proficiency in that appertaining 
to culinary matters, not surpassed the world over. 

While in camp here we had occasion to interfere and repress 
the fighting instinct, now rapidly developing, under our generous 
fare in camp, supplemented by our dusky neighbors at the ranch. 
The writer was in the quartermaster's tent one evening, when 
our orderly came in informing us of our company entertaining 
some of the boys of the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania who had 
come provided with clubs and stones to settle some difficulty. 
A very brief entertainment sufficed for the Pennsylvania boys, 
when they retired from the field. In about half an hour they 
again called on our boys, re-enforced in numbers and hoping for 
better results. After a very brief engagement, the lieutenant- 
colonel coming along, we were ordered to our quarters, and quiet 
reigned again. The next morning, as the writer lay in his tent 
looking out upon the street, a party of three or four stopped in 
front for a talk, goon one of them began to show symptoms of 
a strange nature, and directly over he went upon his back. 
In connection with the affair of the night before, the writer be- 
gan to think that matters were coming to a crisis. However, 
the man, who, to all appearance was dead, through the somewhat 
heroic measures of those gathered about him, was at length 
brought to and carried off. 

March the 18th a cold, disagreeable storm commenced, lasting 
until the 21st. It commenced with a drizzling rain which finally, 
however, turned to a stiff snowstorm. On the morning of the 
21st it cleared away, the snow lying on the ground six inches 
deep. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 147, Part 2.] 

Headquarters op the Army, 

Washington, March 16, 1863. 
Maj.-Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, 

Washington. 

General: By direction of the Secretary of War you will re- 
sume command of the Ninth Army Corps, and immediately re- 
lieve Gen. H. G. Wright of the command of the Department of 
the Ohio. 



82 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

One division of the Ninth Army Corps will be left for the pres- 
ent in the command of General Dix, and the other two divisions 
will immediately proceed to the Department of the Ohio. You 
will arrange with the Quartermaster-General for transportation. 

As soon as you have made the proper arrangements you will 
repair to Cincinnati and assume command of the Department, 
leaving the officer next in rank to superintend the movements of 
the troops. 

These instructions will, at present, be regarded as confidential. 

Very respectfully, 

H. W. HALLECK. 

General-in-Chief. 

All were now looking for the time, evidently near at hand, 
when we should pull up and leave for other parts. 

March the 23d the snow had disappeared, much to our satisfac- 
tion. This day was employed in the issuing of clothing to the 
regiment. The boys were now fully prepared for the journey, 
now close upon us. The Twelfth Regiment at this time was the 
largest in the entire corps, and the finest in its general appear- 
ance as regards the men, their clothing, arms, equipments, etc. 

Wednesday, the 25th, we received marching orders. 

General Orders, | 
No. 27. j 

Headquarters, Department of the Ohio, 

Cincinnati, Ohio, March 25, 1863. 

In accordance with instructions from the General-in-Chief, the 
undersigned hereby assumes command of the Department of the 
Ohio. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Maj.-Gen. Commanding. 

Thursday, the 26th, at seven p. m., we struck our tents, and re- 
mained in the streets, waiting orders to fall in. Meanwhile the 
cook's quarters were consigned to the flames and a general scrap- 
ing up of sticks, poles, boxes, and everything of a combustible 
nature took place. It being a cold night our fires were duly 
appreciated. At eleven in the evening we were called upon and 
immediately proceeded to the landing, and, boarding the steamer 




Capt. George A. Spink. 

(From a recent picture.) 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 83 

Long Island, were soon on our wav, bidding farewell to Newport 
News, where we bad spent so many pleasant hours, much to our 
own comfort individually and with profit to the regiment. 

The morning of the 2Gth we were steaming up the Chesapeake 
en route for Baltimore. Leaving the broad waters of the bay at 
six p. m. we entered the Patapsco River, and at seven were along- 
side the wharf at Baltimore, where we passed the night. 

At six o'clock on the morning of the 27th we were ordered to 
sling knapsacks. This done, we filed off the boat, and, marching 
through the streets of the city, we stacked our arms opposite the 
depot in readiness to board the cars, as soon as the necessary 
arrangements could be made. 

Realizing that we should not be called upon for some time, the 
boys were allowed to leave the ranks and look about. The peo- 
ple of Baltimore were very friendly. As we marched through 
the streets we met with cordial greetings, handkerchiefs were 
waved, flags displayed, etc. This was reciprocated by the regi- 
ment, by answering back in deafening cheers. Assured that we 
were among friends, now that we were relieved from duty for the 
time being, the opportunity for foraging and extending our ac- 
quaintance was not to be neglected. Accordingly, many of the 
boys immediately "struck out" to bask in the sunshine of hos- 
pitality, and, in the meantime, replenish the haversack and can- 
teen. Going down street among the many things engaging the 
writer's attention, he observed a sign over the entrance to a store 
or saloon inscribed "Ho every one that thirsts draw nigh !" and 
also found that quite a number of our boys, attracted by this 
unique invitation, had already reported as suffering beyond all 
measure from thirst, and, under the direction of the proprietor, 
were busy sampling from numerous barrels ranged along the in- 
ner walls, the contents of said barrels being administered as 
"Wet Goods" of extra quality. Those sampling, soon pro- 
nounced these goods to be "A No. 1" and the proprietor a jolly 
good fellow; whereupon, a number of the comrades in waiting 
hastened to slake their thirst, and, filling their canteens, con- 
tinued to slake their thirst, ^ome of the more thirsty shortly 
began to exhibit the warlike spirit engendered by this kind of in- 
dulgence, and frequent invitations to ''knock the chip off me 
shoulder,'' or "step on the tail of me coat," or other remarks 



84 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

equally significant, were extended to all, regardless of size or 
color. That the pressing invitation was accepted by comrades 
or townspeople disposed to accommodate, was evident from the 
appearance of a few of the more pugnacious who were assisted 
aboard the train later on. 

The call to take the cars at twelve m. was not promptly met 
owing to the confusion wrought by over-indulgence in these 
extra special Baltimore rations. However, by the exercise of 
patience and considerable extra labor, the boys were all finally 
landed. The train started at two p. m., proceeding slowly 
throughout the afternoon. Late in the evening we stopped at 
Little York, Penn., where hot coffee and bread were served to 
such of the regiment as felt disposed to partake. We were fairly 
on our way for the West, by way of Harrisburg. After leav- 
ing Little York we moved along with more rapidity, and the 
next morning at eight o'clock halted at Lewiston, sixty miles to 
the west of Harrisburg. 

March 28th, at 1.30 p. m., we stopped at Altoona, where hot 
coffee and soft bread engaged our attention. 

At 2.15 p. m. we commenced the ascent of the Alleghanies. 
Our train consisted of thirty cars drawn by one powerful loco- 
motive. Upon commencing the ascent of the range at steepest 
grade, two more engines were attached, one at the rear of the 
train, and one at the front. As the train slowly wound its toil- 
some way, not unlike some huge serpent, it presented to the eye 
of the beholder a most remarkable exhibit of man's ability to 
overcome the forces of nature. At 2.30 p. m. we passed through 
the tunnel at the summit of the ridge and commenced our de- 
scent. 

Passed Johnstown at six and at twelve midnight entered Pitts- 
burg. At 12.30 we disembarked, and marched to the City Hall, 
the general rendezvous for hungry soldiers en route. We here 
found supper awaiting us, to which we quickly introduced our- 
selves, and had fresh bread and butter, crackers, pickles, apples 
and hot coffee served us. Our supper was accompanied by music 
from one of the city bands. We were delayed an hour in the hall 
enjoying the music, regaling the inner man, and listening to our 
colonel, who addressed the Pittsburg people, thanking them for 
their hospitality, after which we left highly pleased with our en- 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 85 

tertainment. From the hall we marched a short distance and 
took lodgings under a large shed adjoining the depot, where some 
of us were enabled to secure a short nap. 

At 9.30 a. m. the regiment entered the cars and at ten the train 
crept slowly out of the city, crossing the Alleghany River 
en route for Cincinnati, ria Steubenville and Columbus. We 
passed through Steubenville. Ohio, at two p. m. 

At the village of Means, a short distance beyond, we halted for 
the indispensable coffee ration, making a short stop also at New 
< Ymierstown. and Coshocton, arriving at the city of Newark at 
the midnight hour. All along through the villages and towns of 
Ohio we were warmly welcomed by the people. The young wo- 
men were foremost in their endeavors to interview us, would 
run in haste to extend their sympathy and welcome, as the train 
came to a halt, and would bring as gifts to the boys bread, pies, 
apples, preserves, etc. "We knew you were coming,'' they 
would say. "We thought you might be hungry." "We are so 
glad to see you !" "O yes, all the girls are here. There was a 
great crowd, but the older ones got tired and went home, but we 
wouldn't go.'' "We have been waiting a long while." "So you 
have come all the way from Rhode Island, just think of it!" 
"Have left mothers and sisters behind, same as we are left be- 
hind. - ' "Now don't think we are too forward." "All the soldier 
boys are our brothers and fathers." "We have fathers and 
brothers down at the front with Grant." "You may see them 
when you get down there." "This is my name and address. I 
wrote it on this paper." "When you get to the front write me." 
"Do, I should be so glad to have a letter from you." "Why ! the 
cars have started!" "There now is a sister's kiss for you." 
"Good-by, the Lord save you from harm." Handkerchiefs are 
waving now. We scramble to get aboard, while the train rolls 
all too quickly away. Who wouldn't be a soldier? 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 175, Part 2.] 

Cincinnati, .March 26, 1863, L2 m. 
Maj.-Gen. H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief : 

Your letter of instructions of the L'-'id is this moment received, 
and I will be governed accordingly. 



86 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Nothing new from the enemy. I think we can hold the line 
of the Kentucky until a column can be organized at or near Leb- 
anon to move against the enemy. One brigade of the Ninth 
Corps has gone down to Louisville to be sent out from there. 
The other brigades of the First Division are expected to-day or 
to-morrow. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major-General. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 193, Part 2.] 

Murfeeesborough, March 30, 1863, 1.30 a. m. 

Major-General Burnside : 

Hearty greeting and welcome. 

Want to know if you can't take the line of the Cumberland, or 
put a strong force at Tompkinsville? Have best assurance at- 
tainable, from constant papers to and fro to the East Tennessee 
Valley, that no substantial infantry or large cavalry force passed 
from our front into Kentucky. 

What can and will you do to enter East Tennessee? 

Yours truly. 

W. S. ROSECRANS. 



Headquarters, Department of the Ohio, 

Cincinnati, March 30, 1SG3. 

Major-General Rosecrans, Murfueesborough, Tenn. 

Many thanks for your very cordial greeting. I am glad to be 
nearer to you, and will certainly do all in my power to co-oper 
ate with you. My troops are arriving, and by to-morrow I will 
be able to telegraph more definitely. 

I shall occupy the line of the Cumberland as soon as possible, 
and hope to pass into East Tennessee. 

A. E. BFRNSIDE, 
Major-General Commanding Department Ohio. 

At two in the morning we again came to a halt, this time at 
Columbus, Ohio. Here we found refreshments for the regiment 
all ready and awaiting us. But the boys having been royally en- 
tertained by the sjirls all along the route since leaving Pittsburg, 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 87 

had lost their appetite for plain rations, and had stretched them- 
selves out for the balance of the night and would not respond. 
It was at once evident that the regiment needed rest more than 
rations, and our colonel taking in the situation, after a brief halt 
signaled to pass along. In the meantime nice soft bread was 
quietly passed along the cars, and all who wished had an oppor- 
tunity before we started on to lay in a liberal supply, while can- 
teens were filled with coffee by applying at the depot alongside 
the train. 

At seven a. m., March .'Jlst. we passed through Xenia, at which 
place we halted long enough to rub our eyes, wash up, and look 
about us. 

Starting from here at ten, we arrived at the town of Morrow, 
where, owing to a smash-up ahead of us, we remained until five, 
when, again moving along, we entered the City of Cincinnati at 
seven o'clock in the evening. After a delay of an hour we left 
the cars and marched to the Fifth Street market, where supper 
was in readiness and waiting. As we marched through the 
streets buildings were illuminated, the citizens manifesting the 
greatest enthusiasm, as cheer upon cheer greeted us, all along 
the march. At nine in the evening, after partaking of a most 
bountiful collation, we took up our line of march to the ferry. 

Steaming across the Ohio River to Covington, we disembarked, 
and at eleven o'clock turned in for the balance of the night, oc- 
cupying the floor of an old dilapidated shed near the railroad 
depot. We were now on Kentucky soil ! No fancy ration 
awaited the soldier here and the endeavor of the colonel the next 
morning to provide a collation for the regiment proved unsuc- 
cessful. We remained here until one r. M., at which time, a 
train of cars having been provided, we embarked and were soon 
hurrying on en route for Lexington. But instead of the very 
comfortable passenger coach up to this time provided, we found 
ourselves scurrying along in freight and cattle cars. 

Passing through the town of Belmont, we arrived in Lexing- 
ton at nine o'clock in the evening. Here we learned that we had 
arrived at the end of our journey by rail, taking up our quarters 
for the night in the cars and about the depot. 

Wednesday, April 1st, we turned out at an early hour, kindled 
fires, made coffee, and took a soldier's breakfast. The regiment 



88 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

was not called upon to fall in until half-past eight. In the mean- 
time many of us took the opportunity to visit the grave and 
monument of Henry Clay, which could be seen in the cemetery 
a short distance from the depot. The monument is an imposing 
structure, and upon the top of the tall shaft stands a statue 
bearing a faithful likeness of this remarkable man. His grave 
was about forty rods north of the monument. There were no 
stones to mark the spot, as his remains were undoubted^ soon 
to be removed to the vault prepared for them at the base of the 
monument. 

We also visited the place alloted for the burial of the soldiers. 
Here in this cemetery an eminence well defined, rising above the 
surrounding grounds, from the apex of which a most perfect 
grade had been established on all sides for quite a distance, 
downward and outward, — here upon this eminence a large num- 
ber of Union soldiers had found their last resting-place. The 
graves were arranged in circles, the first circle enclosing a space 
at the summit of the eminence twenty feet in diameter, with the 
foot of the grave against this centre space. The second row of 
graves was outside this centre circle but following the same out- 
line, and so on. There were several circles already completed. 
The centre space was reserved, as giving ample room for the 
erection of an imposing monument at some future time. Of 
sculpture there were many fine specimens in this cemetery, the 
monuments being numerous and remarkably fine in design and 
finish. 

At 8.30 we were called upon to fall in, and immediately there- 
after marched to our encampment. This was arranged for us 
upon the Fair grounds three-quarters of a mile distant from the 
city. The situation was all that could be desired, and here amid 
a grove of black walnuts and maples, on elevated ground com- 
manding a fine view of the surrounding country, we estab- 
lished our camp. The Ashland estate, well known as the resi- 
dence of Henry Clay, was but one mile distant from us. 

Thursday, April 2d, the writer, with a comrade, started out on 
a visit to this celebrated estate. Just before reaching the house 
we came upon two children, a boy and girl, the boy twelve and 
the girl ten or thereabouts. Upon approaching them we noticed 
in the features of each a striking resemblance to the man whose 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 89 

memory we held in reverence, and, upon making- inquiry of them, 
learned they were grandchildren of Henry Clay. We learned 
later, that their father, James Clay, was a bitter secessionist, 
and absent in the interest of the Confederates, while his family 
were occupying the homestead. It was a very warm, pleasant 
day, and the family, which consisted of the mother and two other 
younger children, were busying themselves about the premises 
and looking at the men employed, at the time of our visit, pre- 
paring the garden for planting. 

The wife of James Clay was apparently about thirty years of 
age, of medium height, with dark eyes and hair and of dark com- 
plexion, — a remarkably fine looking woman. Her countenance 
bore the unmistakable traces of grief and sorrow, to be expected 
under the circumstances. We had a talk with one of the men 
employed, respecting the family. He pointed out the house oc- 
cupied by him situated upon the estate, rented to him the year 
before by Mrs. Clay. He claimed to be a Union man and thought 
it best she should so understand it before he occupied the house. 
Upon informing her, all she had to say was that she rented the 
house for the money. Whether her husband's course was ap- 
proved by her or not he could not ascertain as she kept her own 
counsel. 

W T e were allowed the privilege of looking about the grounds. 
We learned that the house occupied by the elder Clay had been 
removed, giving way to another built upon the same site. There 
had been no alterations made in the numerous outbuildings, but 
the house was an imposing structure of brick with freestone 
trimmings, modern in style, and somewhat elaborate in design 
and finish, overshadowed by trees of large growth. The lawn 
was very spacious, and around the outer edge was a carriage 
road, and upon either side of this a row of trees, hemlocks, firs, 
and black walnuts, principally of large size as a rule. Scattered 
about the lawn were a variety of trees of smaller growth. Along- 
side the carriage road Avere a few neglected flower beds, while in 
the carriage house a somewhat antiquated vehicle could be seen, 
formerly owned and utilized by Henry Clay. 

Leaving this historic locality, on our return to camp we passed 
the residence and grounds of John Clay, a part of the estate on 
more elevated ground, some one-third of a mile from the home 



90 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

stead, and took the opportunity of visiting his stables, and see- 
ing the horses, he being reputed the owner of some of the finest 
in the state. We found the stables easy of access, several col- 
ored men being in charge, and willing to show us about. This 
John Clay, a son also of Henry Clay, well known among horsemen 
throughout the country, had a race course of his own for speed- 
ing his horses, and made a specialty of raising horses and mules. 
The horses we saw were the finest owned by him, were all trained 
for running, and held records not surpassed the world over. 

Returning from the stables, our appetites by this time having 
become sharpened, we inquired of one of the colored men if he 
could find us something to eat. He took us up to the house and 
asked the colored inmates of the kitchen if they could do any- 
thing for us in the line of rations. They said that Mr. Clay was 
sick and unable to attend to our wants. However, a johnnycake 
of large proportions, some twelve inches in diameter, in sight 
upon the range, already done to a turn, aud smoking hot, engaged 
our attention, and it was willingly passed over to us by our col- 
ored friends, much to our delight. 

From here, returning to camp, we halted to watch the antics 
of a herd of young mules belonging to Clay, just turned loose 
from the stable, and which were capering around at a break- 
neck rate, demonstrating absolute proof against damage by falls, 
kicks, collisions, or otherwise. That the cow jumped over the 
moon at the time the dish ran away with the spoon we always 
thought to be extremely doubtful, but that a mule might have 
accomplished the feat would, after this exhibit, have been ac- 
cepted by us without question. 

Quite a number of our boys having expressed a desire to visit 
the city the following Sunday and attend divine service, were 
granted permission. 

Accordingly, Sunday, the oth, at the appointed hour, some two 
hundred and fifty of the regiment fell into line, and, marching 
into the city, directing their course towards one of the churches, 
were ushered in and duly seated. Looking over the congregation 
who eyed us askance, instead of the frank open countenance 
denoting pleasure and an assurance of cordial greeting at close 
of service, it was at once evident that we had landed ourselves in 
a veritable hotbed of secession, or had entered a house so divided 




Lieut. Munson H. Najac. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 91 

in their feelings towards us, according as the sentiment of union 
or disunion predominated, that neither dared assert itself. The 
preacher also appeared to be under restraint, ignoring our pres 
ence altogether, lest he might commit himself. 

In the sermon that followed no allusion was made to us, as to 
when, how, or for what purpose we came among them. To the 
goodly number of Christians, earnest workers in our ranks, this 
condition of affairs, when the good work of the Church was nulli- 
fied through political ill-feeling, — this exhibition was extremely 
mortifying. For them, in such an atmosphere, the inspiration 
sought through religious zeal and fervor would not develop. 
While the ungodly in our ranks, of which a few at least may 
be found in all organizations, who had been prevailed upon to 
listen to the Gospel call, and enlarge their acquaintance with 
the Kentuckians, instead of the cordial greeting hoped for, and 
the expected exhortation by the preacher to repent and flee from 
the wrath to come, fall in with the overtures of mercy, and as 
good soldiers in the cause of the Union also enlist under the ban- 
ner of Christianity, and, with Christ for their Captain, as more 
perfect soldiers tight for the redemption of all mankind, etc., 
etc., great was their astonishment that no words of encourage- 
ment or approbation were offered them as soldiers of the Union, 
no words of condolence for what they had already suffered in 
the cause, no warnings to flee from the wrath, no invitation to 
fall in, etc., etc., but, on the other hand, the congregation, as 
a rule, held themselves aloof and all appearances indicated us as 
most undesirable, unwelcome interlopers. 

Monday, the Gth, we signed the pay roll, and the next day were 
paid in full up to March 1st. 

Although located in a land famous as abounding in all things 
for the most perfect development of horse flesh particularly, and 
a correspondingly abundant supply of all the good things tend- 
ing to satisfy the appetite of man, not forgetting the famous 
Kentucky whisky, or the prime tobacco, both of which we sam- 
pled in Baltimore; notwithstanding all this, up to this time, 
while here, in this land of plenty for the citizens, as soldiers we 
found ourselves most uncomfortably short along the line of ra- 
tions, and no way out, except through organized raid, by pur- 
chase or otherwise, upon the storehouses in the near-by city. 



92 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Without proceeding to extreme measures, prompted by neces- 
sity, as a last resort, supplies finally came to hand, and also at 
about the same time, April 7th, we received marching orders, 
and, on the following morning, at about eight o'clock, broke camp 
and started on our march accompanied by other regiments of 
our brigade who had journeyed along with us from Newport 
News, and encamping in our neighborhood had contributed as 
comrades to our profit and pleasure, while on our excursions 
about and around this somewhat famous locality ; and, as misery 
likes company, had suffered with us the gnawing pangs of hun- 
ger, and shared with us the big johnnycake from Clay's kitchen, 
— a veritable oasis in this desert of shortage. 

Passing through the city and taking the highway, a broad 
thoroughfare running in a southeasterly direction almost or 
quite as straight as the crow flies, after a very severe march of 
twenty-two miles, we encamped two miles south of the town of 
Winchester at half-past seven in the evening. This was a hard 
day's march for the First Brigade and the hardest the Twelfth 
Regiment was called upon to make during its period of service. 
It was an exceptionally warm day for early April, "too early to 
lay aside our winter outfit, the weight of which added greatly to 
our discomfort. The grateful shade along our line of march was 
wanting,— no rows of trees to break the rays of the suu, which 
were with us from start to almost finish. This thoroughfare, 
straight and broad as a turnpike, was undergoing macadamiza- 
tion. 

Soon after leaving the city we came upon the broken stone, 
the first course extending perhaps a quarter of a mile, after 
which a stretch comparatively smooth, and so alternating from 
smoothness accompanied by clouds of dust to the roughly broken 
stone, where relieved of the dust, we underwent broiling as the 
suu poured its rays upon these stretches of macadam gridirons. 

The heated road, the uncertain tread, developed blistering feet. 

The heavy knapsack heavier grew. 

With blinking eyes the frequent look ahead 

Saw no relief at hand. 

The same continuous, interminable stretch 

Of dust and stone. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 93 

Men, exhausted, dropped from the ranks to pick their way at 
slower gait, and upon our arrival at the camping ground assigned, 
twenty-two miles from our starting point in the morning, not 
more than a quarter of the entire brigade had proved themselves 
equal to the undertaking; the balance, having while on the way 
taken a furlough without time limit, coming in later, while two 
or three days elapsed before all the boys were finally accounted 
for. The Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Regiment, assigned to pro- 
vost duty in Lexington, was left behind, and escaped the experi- 
ence accorded the rest of this brigade, which comprised the Sixth 
New Hampshire, the Seventh and Twelfth Rhode Island, and the 
Second Maryland. 

In the absence of General Nagle, the command of the brigade 
was assumed temporarily by Colonel Griffin of the Sixth New 
Hampshire, the senior officer and hero of this extraordinary 
march, forced upon us when in poor condition, from inadequate 
rations, while in and about the fair grounds at Lexington. 

Although forcing ourselves along this highway from Lexing- 
ton to Winchester, under such very unfavorable conditions, we 
could not withhold our tribute to this beautiful section of the 
country, which resembled one immense park, extending from 
Lexington, situated in the centre of Fayette, to Winchester, the 
centre of Clark County. Groves of beautiful trees alternated at 
intervals of perhaps a quarter of a mile with the broad area un- 
der cultivation, where, here and there, the stately forest tree still 
held place and usefulness; while the surface of the ground, de- 
void of bushes, briers, or noxious weeds, covered with grass, the 
incoming growth of early spring, presented for miles a finish to 
the broad acres on every hand; while here and there also, amid 
the beautiful scenery and surroundings, the farmer's home, the 
typical homestead, the mecca of present and future generations, 
completed the picture. Nothing to be compared with this, the 
hill and dale, the magnificent forest growth, the rolling plain, 
the clear, grassy surface of the ground, like a well-kept lawn, 
the unmistakable signs denoting great fertility of soil, a rare 
combination. Nothing approaching this did we find in all our 
travels. Doubtless no spot or place the wide world over could 
be found surpassing this, the far-famed blue grass region of Ken- 
tucky ; 



94 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

The ground assigned for our '"camp near Winchester" was sit- 
uated in a grove located where we had every convenience neces- 
sary, including wood, water, and plenty of grass upon which to 
roll and tumble while recuperating from the effect of our march 
from Lexington. The trees in this grove were perhaps forty 
feet apart on an average, consisting of maple, cherry, black wal- 
nut and the common shell bark, of large size as a rule. The 
grounds were kept very clean, and no debris allowed to accu- 
mulate. 

Here at this camp we had "brigade guard mounting.'" The 
brigade band would take position and strike up at precisely nine 
a. m., and, as we watched the movements of the guard as they ap- 
proached simultaneously from their respective regiments to take 
the place assigned them, we were impressed with the beauty of 
the scene. The guard approaching take their place and the 
music ceases; the camp guard upon the right of the line with 
nothing but gun and equipment, the picket upon the left with 
canteen, haversack and blanket in addition. The line arriving 
at formation, the sergeant-major who arranges it, makes a "pre- 
sent" to the commanding officer, and immediately takes his place 
upon the left, after which the order is given, "Front !" Upon 
this, the commissioned officers march twelve paces in front of the 
line, the sergeants eight and the corporals four. The officer in 
command advances and gives special instruction to all the officers 
in person. He then returns to his position and gives the order, 
"Officers and non-commissioned officers, about face!" "Inspect 
your guards!" The lieutenants inspect the front rank, the ser- 
geants the rear, while the band plays during inspection. Inspec- 
tion over, the music ceases and the officers return to their places 
in line. Then from the commanding officer comes the order, 
"Troop beat off!" at which the band commences playing a slow 
march, and, coming to the front, proceeds the length of the line. 
After going through the manoeuvres bringing them to an "about 
face," they return playing a quickstep, and take their former 
position. Then the order, "By platoons! right wheel! march!" 
Immediately upon the completion of the half-wheel which brings 
them from line of battle into column, the order is given, "Pass 
in review! column forward! guide right! march!" The band 
again strikes up, the first platoon make a left half-wheel, and 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 95 

march forward preceded by the band. The other platoons com- 
ing up, wheel upon the same spot as the first. After inarching 
forward a certain distance, another left half-wheel is made. 
Marching straight forward from this, they pass the officer of the 
day, who takes position directly in front of the centre of the 
line. As before moving, the officer in command of the guard had 
placed himself upon the right of the first platoon and directed 
the movement of the column. As each platoon passes in front 
of the officer of the day, the officers in charge of their respective 
platoons, come to a "present," salute, and pass on, — the camp 
guard to the relief of the old guard, the picket to place assigned, 
— the band ceases playing, and the review ends. 

This brigade guard mounting is a most impressive and impos- 
ing spectacle. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 242, Part 2.] 

Cincinnati, Ohio, April 15, 1863. 
Ma.t.-Gen. H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief: 

The enemy attempted to cross the Cumberland at Robertsport 
last night, but retreated as soon as our forces made their ap- 
pearance. 



All quiet this morning. 



A. E. BURN SIDE, 

Major-General. 



Cincinnati, April 15, 1863. 

Gen. Willcox, Lexington, Ky. : 

In the absence of more definite information from Wolford, the 
disposition of the troops can remain as they are for the present. 
If it should prove that the enemy have really crossed in force, 
you must concentrate our forces at a point where we can meet 
them. The forces at Lebanon are held in readiness to co-operate 
with Carter at a moment's notice. It may become necessary for 
us to move the whole of Sturgis's division down to Richmond. 
If the emergency arises, give such orders as you may deem neces- 
sary, and you will be sustained. Keep your operators on the 



96 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

alert, and instruct your officers in the advance to send you fre- 
quent reports which you can transmit to the headquarters. I 
cannot believe that the enemy is crossing in a force equal to 
what we can concentrate to meet them. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major-General Commanding Department. 

Thursday, the 16th. at five p. m., we again received marching 
orders, with instruction to "pack knapsacks" and be ready to 
march immediately. At six we struck tents, and in half an hour 
were marching, in company with the rest of our brigade, in the 
direction of Boonsboro, and, after a short march of five 
miles, encamped for the night on the heights overlooking the val- 
ley of the Kentucky River. 

As we were about to cross the river at Boonsboro, our 
thoughts turned towards that remarkable man from whom this 
settlement derived its name. For, on the banks of the Delaware, 
at Bristol, Pennsylvania, the 11th of February, 1735, a child was 
born, inheriting from his parents a constitution insuring longev- 
ity, a frame fitted for the long career of toil and exertion which 
awaited him. At the age of three his parents removed to Read- 
ing, Pennsylvania, then a frontier settlement, where the conversa- 
tions of his childhood were the strategy of tbe savage. At an 
early age we find that young Boone, the subject of this sketch, 
had acquired a reputation among his people for acts of skill and 
courage, fitting him for leadership. In this frontier school he 
had sprung at once to superior scholarship. The rifle was, in his 
hand, unerring as the bow of Robin Hood. He learned lessons 
of the snow and the leaves and the moss, and to detect with 
quick eye the tread of foot, — to rival the sagacity of the hound, 
the cunning of the Indian warrior. At eighteen he is with his 
father's family among the mountains in western North Carolina, 
about the year 1753. With Braddock, Washington was learning 
the art of war, while Daniel Boone was learning to be the mas- 
ter in another strife, and to accomplish results following upon 
the victories won, and peace established, to which Washington 
gave his strength. 

On the 7th of June, 1769, six men, weary and way-worn, wound 
their way up the steep side of a rugged mountain in the wilder- 




Capt. William E. Hubbard. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 97 

ness of Kentucky. The leader of the party was of full size, with 
a hardy, robust frame, and keen, piercing, hazel eyes that glanced 
with quickness at every object as they passed on; now cast for- 
ward in the direction they were traveling for signs of an old 
trail, and in the same moment directed askance into the dense 
thicket, or into the deep ravine, as if watching some concealed 
enemy. The reader will recognize in this man the pioneer Boone 
and his companions. 

Early in May, 1770, we find him alone, exploring this section 
of Kentucky, the sole survivor of his party, the only one escap- 
ing the attack of the wily savage, who in him — their superior in 
all their artful cunning and strategy — in him they had found 
their master. Returning to civilization, he lays before his coun- 
trymen the wonderfully beautiful country, the white man's op- 
portunity ! The hunter's paradise ! Early in 1775 we find him 
at the head of an organized compan}' of men well armed, on an 
expedition to the Kentucky River for the purpose of survey and 
settlement. 

On the 22d day of March, having arrived within fifteen miles 
of where we were now encamped, they were attacked by the sav- 
ages ; three days later they were again attacked, and in the two 
encounters lost four men killed and four wounded. Hastening 
to the river, they selected a site for their fortress, and on the 1st 
day of April commenced erecting a stockade fort, which was 
called Boonsboro. The Indians, stung to madness that white 
people should erect buildings on their hunting grounds, repeated 
their attack without success, for, on the 14th of June, the works 
were so far completed as to afford adequate defence. The fort 
having been completed, Boone left the men to guard it, and pre- 
pare ground for a crop, while he returned for his family, his wife 
and daughters being the first white women that ever stood on 
the banks of the Kentucky River. 

Owing to delay while crossing the river, we remained in camp 
until ten a. m. The cavalry accompanying us commenced cross- 
ing early in the morning, and, at ten, the Twelfth were ordered 
to fall in. After a march of a mile, Ave arrived upon the edge of 
the river at the place of crossing in time to see the last of the 
cavalry pass over. 

7 



98 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

The river at point of crossing was perhaps five or six hundred 
feet in width and the conveniences for overcoming this obstacle 
were two scows or pontoons on each of which forty men could 
be taken over at once, and so shaped that our teams could be 
driven on or off at either end. The river was comparatively shal- 
low at this place, and the mode of propelling was by pushing 
with poles. Some of the teams, consisting of a government 
wagon and four mules each, were in readiness and crossed with 
our regiment. This was accomplished by driving one of the 
teams on the scow, while the remaining space was taken up by 
the soldiers. The scow was poled across, the team was driven 
off, and the balance of the cargo disposed of. The method 
adopted by the driver of mule teams, sitting upon the near wheel 
mule, using one rein and vociferating loudly in language under- 
stood only by the mule and himself, was, by most of our boys, 
looked upon as something quite incomprehensible. These scows 
were hardly wide enough to accommodate the wheels of the wag- 
ons, and it required no little degree of skill to drive on and off 
without accident. While driving one of the teams off, the near 
wheel mule was crowded off the scow, throwing his rider head 
and ears under water. The man upon gaining the surface was 
soon ashore, and the mule, after floundering awhile, secured a 
foothold, and the wagon was drawn off and on its way. The next 
that crossed, the driver, hoping to profit by the misfortunes of 
his predecessor, dismounted and attempted to lead his team off. 
This time the mules again crowding one another, over goes one 
of them into the stream. This looked like a desperate case of 
broken legs and death by drowning. However, after some little 
effort, the mule was loosed from its harness, the wagon drawn 
off, and, through the combined efforts of half a dozen men, the 
unlucky mule was finally drawn from the river and ready again 
for business. Ours was the third company across, and passing 
up the bank we continued on half a mile and rested there until 
the balance of our regiment came up. 

The Kentucky River at this place is bounded upon either side 
by a range of hills, akin to mountains. As we approached the 
river many novel and interesting features presented themselves, 
reminding us of our first experience in mountainous regions. 
From our camp where we passed the night upon the height, the 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 99 

road to the ferry wound along the sides of the hills and through 
ravines; and in this way the river was gained by gradual and 
easy descent. As we left camp the beautiful fields, the green 
hills, the grassy vales disappeared, giving place to rough, precipi- 
tous hills, whose rocky sides presented a striking contrast to the 
scenes we left behind. As we neared the river, upon the opposite 
side to the left, was a ledge of limestone several hundred feet in 
length, rising from the surface of the water some two or three 
hundred feet, nearly or quite perpendicular; its surface, with 
the exception of a few seams and crevasses, smooth and white 
as finished marble, resembling the wall of some great fortress. 
This was an object grand and picturesque, an impressive and 
imposing exhibit of nature's handiwork. The river rolling slug- 
gishly along, deeply imbedded in the hills, could not be discerned 
until we were almost upon its very edge. 

Approaching the river from our encampment upon the north- 
ern heights we came upon two or three small houses nestling un- 
der the bluff close by the water with barely arable ground enough 
adjoining to make a small garden spot for the occupants. Upon 
the opposite side we found more buildings, and, in the immediate 
vicinity of the ferry, considerable land under cultivation. Here, 
also, upon the southern bank of the river we were shown the spot 
where Boone built his fortress. We also filled our canteens from 
Boone's spring, so called in honor of the old hero, a large pool 
of water some ten feet in diameter, partly filled with broken 
stone and leaves from the tall, scattering trees overshadowing 
it; and, as we took a draught from its clear waters, we thought 
how often he had visited the self-same spot, and wondered at 
the courage and perseverance of the man, who, while exploring 
this country, was deprived of his associates, but still faithful to 
his trust continued his work alone, surrounded by hostile Indi- 
ans, relying upon his thorough knowledge of Indian method, and 
manoeuvre, to counteract efforts put forth for his destruction. 
That he was prepared, ordained, and protected by an overruling 
Providence, for this special work in the interests of humanity, 
we believe, as we render homage to the ability, the unswerving 
fidelity and the undaunted bravery of the famous Kentucky pio- 
neer. 



LafC 



100 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

We halted here one hour, when, the balance of our regiment 
joining us, we began the slow and toilsome work of ascending 
the hills. It was a very warm day, and, though halting often, 
the march was a tedious one. Before reaching the top, we halted 
for the rest of the brigade to come up. This was about two p. m. 
Again falling in, we soon reached the summit of the hill and 
emerged once more into a country beautiful as the one we had 
left behind us. At the junction of the river road with the Lex- 
ington and Richmond pike we halted again, and rested for two 
hours. At this place General Nagle and staff passed in ad- 
vance of us and arranged for our encampment at night. The 
grounds assigned were about three miles from our halting-place, 
and four from Richmond. At six p. m., while on our way, the 
Fourteenth Kentucky Cavalry passed us, begrimed with dust and 
dirt, and looking like the war-worn veterans they really were. 
Their experience had been mostly with the guerillas that infested 
this state, and whom they fought with a vengeance born of long 
suffering through their depredations. 

Saturday, the 18th, at seven in the morning we were again in 
line and upon the march, passing through Richmond at ten, and 
at eleven a. m. broke ranks on our camping ground two miles be- 
yond. Upon this ground and vicinity, Aug. 30, 1862, the bat- 
tle of Richmond was fought, in which engagement our soldiers 
were defeated, losing one hundred and fifty killed and three hun- 
dred and fifty wounded. The trees about here, on every hand, 
bore marks of the struggle which ensued. Many of the branches 
were torn off, and in the trunk of one large cherry tree I counted 
seven ball holes. It was a desperate struggle against odds, the 
enemy outnumbering us four to one. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 238, Part 2.] 

Headquarters, Department of the Ohio, 

April 14, 1863. 
Gen. WiLixCOX, Lexington, Ky. : 

The following orders have just been sent to Gen. Wright: 
"Carter confirms the report that the enemy were at Columbia 
last night. Move your cavalry force from Lebanon on Columbia 
via Campbellsville to co-operate with Carter's force from Hus- 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 101 

tonville to Columbia. Let: the commanding officer keep his 
scouts well out, to avoid being surprised, in case the enemy 
should be moving with his whole force on Lebanon. Hold the 
infantry force at Lebanon, and all the forces at Glasgow ready 
to move at a moment's notice, with three days' provisions. Send 
me frequent reports, and tell Carter to send full information of 
the movements of the enemy.'' 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major-General Commanding Department of the Ohio. 

Correspondence of Providence Journal. 

Twelfth Regiment R. I. Vols., 

Near Winchester, Ky., 

April 16, 1863. 

When the soldier takes up his musket and enters the field he is 
no longer supposed to be master of his own movements, nor able 
to tell in the morning on what spot of ground he will rest his 
weary limbs at night. 

But if any one had predicted at Camp Stevens, in October last, 
that the Twelfth Regiment would twice cross Long Bridge, pitch 
its tents on Arlington Heights, and at Fairfax Seminary per- 
forin a march of 80 miles down the eastern shore of the Poto- 
mac, cross to Acquia Creek, and march to the disastrous field of 
Fredericksburg, pass two months in shelter tents in the dead of 
winter at Falmouth, do picket duty on the Rappahannock, em 
bark again at Acquia Creek and sail down the Potomac, and pass 
the very spot that witnessed the exploits of the Merrimar and 
the Monitor, spend a month in pleasant recreation at Newport 
News, sail the length of Chesapeake Bay, thence across the Al- 
anies into the heart of old Kentucky, a distance of 1,000 
miles, to encamp in a grassy grove near the home of Henry Clay; 
such a person would have been pronounced a false prophet, and 
in danger of finding lodgings in that spacious building near See- 
konk River, provided for people of dilapidated intellect. 

Yet such is a brief outline of our short, though somewhat 
eventful experience. 

Our first stopping place in this state was Lexington, one of the 
oldest and most wealthy towns in Kentucky. . . . 

Our march to Winchester was performed in oik 1 day, a distance 
of 23 miles, over a macadamized road, through a most rich, and 
beautiful country. 

There were no forests, and the only wood to be seen standing 
was in groves or woodland pastures. 



102 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Broad farms stretched out to the right and left, adorned by 
grand old farmhouses, and noble herds of cattle, of the best 
breeds, horses, mules, and the Southdown sheep, were to be seen 
upon the hills, and the whole presented a picture of abundance 
that was rare and gratifying. 

One of the boys brought in an unexploded- shell picked up in 
the vicinity of our camp; an unreliable messenger failing to de- 
liver according to contract when sent upon its murderous errand 
eight months before. 

Just after our arrival two peddlers, or sutlers, commenced 
visiting us, and, in the absence of competition, charged exorbi- 
tant prices for their wares. One of the specialties offered for 
sale under the name of cider,— a solution manufactured to order, 
at short notice, from vinegar, molasses and water, although a 
most miserable, unsatisfactory beverage, — was in great demand. 
By ignoring the sense of taste, and drawing largely upon the 
imagination, a small measure of satisfaction was discernible in 
the vacant eye and sickly smile of those able to conquer a rebel- 
lious stomach while pouring into it this vinegrous wish-wash. 

One day seeing a larger number than usual around one of these 
teams, the writer joined the crowd, found the owner busy selling 
oranges at ten cents apiece and his so-called cider at ten cents 
a glass. And while he, the owner, delivered from the front of 
the wagon, the soldiers unbeknown to him had tapped a barrel 
in the rear and were doing a brisk business filling canteens. The 
owner soon discovered this new method of supplying the Army 
of the Cumberland and loudly remonstrated against this free 
distribution of his assets, emphasizing his remark by a vigorous 
application of his horsewhip, whereupon his wagon was at once 
upset and his groceries confiscated. 

Knowing the other peddler was in camp with a wagon load of 
gingerbread — the price of which was twenty-five cents for three 
pieces, each about the size of a large cracker — and realizing that 
the boys had united for lower rates, the writer moved over to- 
wards his place of business in time to see his bread cart in vio- 
lent convulsions, from the effects of which the contents of said 
cart were thrown in all directions, and disappeared as if by 
magic. The cart recovering from this attack of the shakes, the 




Lieut. Francisco M. Ballou. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 103 

driver mounted bis seat, and, with an angry snort, whipped up 
and drove off. 

A complaint at headquarters elicited no sympathy ; but an as- 
surance that fair dealing with the boys would be appreciated and 
respected, brought our quondam merchants again into the field, 
when lower rates soon brought about good trade and mutual 
good feeling. 

How often at home, when with the toil and care incident upon 
the life of those who "earn their bread by the sweat of the brow," 
have we, as Saturday night approached, and with it the labors of 
the week were to cease, looked forward to a day of rest! A 
thousand miles from home, the plough exchanged for the sword, 
the spade for the rifle, in the face of a desperate enemy, this rule 
had no application. True the Sabbath came as at home, but un- 
fortunately was "more honored in the breach than the observ- 
ance," and appeared to be a day especially appointed by our 
military commanders for fighting and marching. 

The writer will now quote concerning the Eleventh Ehode Is- 
land, who preceded us to the front in '62, and the conclusions 
arrived at by the comrades after a few weeks' experience in the 
service. 

The writer regrets that he is unable to ascertain to whom we 
are indebted for this paper which we adopt as setting forth our 
own conclusions, namely : 

"We had learned the wholesome lesson that the individual sol- 
dier moves in an infinitesimally small orbit; and that his im- 
portance is an unappreciable element in the events he witnesses. 
At home he had relations of more or less complexity with soci- 
ety and the State. Here he was cut off from all possibility of 
exerting large influences, and stood to his neighbor in no deeper 
relation than that of file leader. To cover square was his duty 
to his fellow man. The raw recruit had been marched into a 
field and told he might sleep there that night. He had found 
that this was easy to do and that it did not give him an asthma 
or an influenza. This increased his self-respect. It was a 
manly, soldierly feat to scorn a roof, and sleep under the stars 
and the falling dews. He had lain in the dust and dirt, and had 
learned that it is not so really bad as unbecoming. The recruit 
had not merely entered into new hardships, he had gotten rid of 



104 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

innumerable old ones. With a minimum of responsibility to 
bear, no forethought to exercise, no need to use his accumulated 
knowledge, he gives his mental faculties a genuine vacation, and 
exults in the development of his bodily strength and endurance. 
As the cold season advanced, shifts by which comfort is secured, 
even by dwellers in tents, in a county abounding in rain and 
mud, . . . 

"The neighboring woods yielded the material for stockading 
the tents and for building huts, which, well plastered with the 
adhesive 'sacred,' were proof against water, air and light.'' 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 306, Part 2.J 

Headquarters, District of Central Kentucky, 

Lexington, Ky., May 1st, 1863. 

To Brig.-Gen. Sturgis, Commanding Second Division, Ninth 
Army Corps, Winchester, Ky. : 

General: The general commanding directs that you concen- 
trate your whole division at a point on the Richmond and Crab 
Orchard road where it crosses Paint Lick. 

You will choose the route by which the Second Brigade will 
march to the point indicated. 

NICHOLAS BOWEN, 
Assistant Adjt.-Gen. and Chief of Staff. 

We received marching orders Saturday, May 2d, and were to 
be in readiness the following morning, at which time we pulled 
into line regardless of the storm evidently about to open upon us, 
and at eight o'clock were on our way. 

It commenced raining slightly before we left camp, and, after 
our first rest outside of Richmond, at ten, it commenced in earn- 
est. We hurried on and at one p. m. encamped at Paint Lick 
Creek, having marched a distance of thirteen miles in four hours. 
Part of the time while on this march the rain poured in torrents, 
and we reached camp thoroughly soaked. 

Correspondence of the Providence Evening Bulletin. 

May 26, 1863. 

. . . It was called Paint Lick from the fact that the Indi- 
ans were accustomed to paint the trees that border the little 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 105 

stream which separated Madison from Garrard counties, for the 
purpose of -attracting the buffalo and deer within reach of their 
rifles. 

The brigade encamped upon the high banks of the river. 

Soon after our arrival the sun came out. the clouds disap- 
peared and we had a pleasant afternoon. It was quite warm. 
Our clothing dried rapidly as we leisurely erected our tents, 
while the ground assigned on the side of a hill, with steep grade 
towards the west, also quickly dried off. upon which, the oppor- 
tunity to roll upon the grass and enjoy the flood of sunlight now 
poured upon us was duly appreciated. 

Our camp was situated on the highway running from Rich- 
mond to Lancaster, and was about midway between the two 
places. It was evident our stay here would be short, as the 
usual care in laying out camp was not observed , our tents being 
pitched in all conceivable ways. Our general established his 
quarters some twenty rods east of us, close alongside a small 
chapel or church. This edifice had been recently built, was 
small, and very much resembled a modern New England school- 
house. 

From the time of our arrival here, commencing the next day 
and continuing up to Saturday, the 9th, considerable rain fell ; 
all of which time we were enveloped in clouds and fog. But re- 
gardless of the unpleasant weather prevailing, our general and 
his staff were honored by frequent visits from the fair ones of 
Richmond, whose acquaintance they formed during our sojourn 
among them. They came in groups of half a dozen or so. The 
band would be called upon to entertain the fair visitors, who, 
with our officers, upon the green in front of the chapel, would 
engage in the mazy dance and "trip the light, fantastic toe." 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Pages 339, 340, Fart 2. 

Lexington, May 18, 1863. Time, 10.15. 

Major-Gen. Burnside : 

Following just received from Somerset: 

The following information received last night from scouts and 
others: Morgan and Pegram with cavalry force 5,000 to 6,000; 



106 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

(John B.) Palmer infantry force 2,500, with Buckner also com- 
ing from East Tennessee to join in invasion of Kentucky. Rebels 
report their forces at 16,000. Our scouts say not more than 
10,000, and they say they are coming for supplies and must have 
them. The river will soon be fordable. It can be crossed now 
at points, so they can concentrate at some place and cross with- 
out much trouble. 

I will increase the guard and watch them closely. 

(Signed,) CARTER,, 

to O. B. WlLLCOX, 

Brigadier- General. 



May 18, 1863. 

Replying to Gen. Carter, Somerset: 

There is a division of our troops at Lancaster under General 
Sturgis. 

In case of emergency this division can advance to support you. 

O. B. WlLLCOX, 

Brigadier-General. 

Sunday, the 10th, at three o'clock in the morning, we again 
received orders to march. At eight, the brigade was moving in 
the direction of Lancaster, encamping early in the afternoon 
upon elevated ground within one-half mile of the village, — a sit- 
uation commanding a view of the country for miles around. 

Correspondence Evening Bulletin. 

May 26, 1863. 

. . . We went into camp upon the summit of a hill, to the 
northeast of Lancaster, in a fine meadow of more than 100 acres. 

The farm upon which we are encamped is the property of a 
rebel who has gone South to join his friends, taking with him his 
personal property. . . . The mansion house upon it was 
burned a few weeks since. . . . The town contains two 
churches and about 800 inhabitants. 

On the afternoon of May 18th each member of the regiment 
was called to his orderly sergeant's tent and presented with a 
pair of white gloves, with instructions that when called upon 




Capt. James H. Allen. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 107 

for dress parade to equip himself with these gloves, reported 
as the gift of H. S. Patterson, our sutler. 

Much interest was manifested about this time as to when our 
term of service would expire. One of our men claiming his time 
as up, and eager to find out when the regiment would start for 
home, took it upon himself to sound the colonel, and thus ad- 
dressed him : 

"Well, colonel, I suppose my time is out?" "Well," says Col- 
onel Browne, "what are you going to do about it? Are you go- 
ing home now or are you going to wait for the rest of the boys?" 
The fellow saying "I think I will go home with the rest of the 
boys," retired somewhat chop-fallen and reported to his com- 
rades, who had followed him up at convenient distance, and over- 
heard the conversation, that he found the old colonel in one of 
his blanked contrary fits and could get nothing out of him. — 
the blanked son of a gun. 

May 20th, at dress parade, our adjutant read to us the fare- 
well address of General Nagle, who had resigned his command 
and was about to return home. He was suffering from affection 
of the heart (so it Avas said) and found himself unable longer 
to continue in the field. He was to leave us the 21st, and ex- 
tended an invitation to all to call on him. 

Precisely at sunset the brigade band commenced playing in 
front of his quarters, and in a short time a good portion of the 
brigade had assembled to hear the parting words of the general. 
We found him sitting in front of his tent, rising occasionally to 
salute the officers as they came in groups from the different regi- 
ments. The band played a few selections, when the general, ris- 
ing, addressed the officers, and, taking each by the hand, bade 
them adieu. Turning to the soldiers he made a short speech, 
bidding them also farewell, and invited all to come forward who 
chose, as he would be pleased to shake hands with all ; upon 
which, many of the boys availed themselves of the privilege. The 
band meanwhile rendered the old-time familiar air: "Home Sweei 
Home," at the conclusion of which, we retired to our quarters. 

Colonel Griffin, of the Sixth New Hampshire, the aforesaid 
hero of our march from Lexington to Winchester, succeeded 
General Nagle as commander of our brigade. The enemy whom 
this brigade were endeavoring to look after were now consoli- 



108 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

dating on the Cumberland River, — occupying the south bank, and 
were closely watched by our forces. Some few days before they 
had contrived to throw a detachment across. This brought on 
an engagement in which they were repulsed and driven back. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 

[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Pages 362, 363, Part 2.] 

Lexington, May 25, 1863, 8.30 a. m. 
General Burn side : 

The following just received from Somerset : 

I have just been advised that the rebels crossed the river at the 
mouth of Fishing Creek this morning and are now engaging the 
guards of the First Kentucky Cavalry who are stationed there. 
Have sent re-enforcements. Will keep you informed as soon as 
I can obtain particulars. I have fears for the safety of the river 
guards below that point. 

(Signed,) GEN. CARTER, 

to O. B. WlLLCOX, 

Brig. -Gen. 



To Maj.-Gen. Burnside : 

The following from Somerset: 

Your dispatch with General Burnside's received. Have just 
heard from Colonel Kautz at mouth of Fishing Creek. The en- 
emy were driven across the river by a company of the Forty-fifth 
Ohio, Captain Scott, who captured a captain, lieutenant, and 
sergeant. Colonel Kautz was moving towards Mill Springs. 
Unless rebels have crossed below Mill Springs, there is no consid- 
erable force this side of the river. I have scouts towards James- 
town and seventeen miles up the Cumberland. I have no idea 
of falling back. 

GEN. CARTER. 

to O. B. WlLLCOX, 

Brig. Gen. 

We were under inarching orders at the time, and were held in 
readiness to move at once; but it was not found necessary to 
call on us. 

May 22d, however, at nine p. m., Ave received orders, and, at 
seven the next morning, the First Brigade was on the march, 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 109 

followed closely by the Second. Taking the Somerset road we 
were soon established in all the privileges and comforts of a 
march on a hot day along a very dry and dusty thoroughfare. 
At eleven, we halted for dinner, having marched nine miles. 
Again underway, after a rest until 2.30 p. m., at four we en- 
camped near Crab Orchard, twelve miles from our late camp 
near Lancaster. 

Upon our marching from Lancaster, one of our comrades, 
whom we supposed, from his intercourse with our officers, might 
know our destination, took it upon himself to inform us that we 
were to march but three or four miles, and were to encamp in an 
oak grove. The spot had been selected by our general, — a most 
beautiful situation, abounding in excellent springs of water, and 
in the immediate vicinity of a river; an admirable place for bath- 
ing. 

It was a very warm day and the highway was dry and dusty, 
making our march unusually severe; and, instead of the oak 
grove, but four miles distant, with all its beautiful surroundings, 
we made a march of twelve miles, as hereinbefore stated, and 
found ourselves at last located in a thicket of briers, one and 
one-half miles north of the village of Crab Orchard, — a spot de- 
void of everything green, if we except blackberry bushes and pen- 
nyroyal, and abounding in all manner of creeping things. 

The evening of the 25th information having been received that 
the enemy were in the neighborhood and might make a raid in 
our direction, we were ordered to be on^the alert. Company I 
was detailed for extra picket duty and all precaution taken 
against attack. 

At six o'clock on the afternoon of the 26th, our regiment moved 
forward one-half mile beyond the village to the support of the 
Second New York battery, which had taken position the night 
before in a field commanding the Mount Vernon and Somerset 
roads which form a junction at this place. Here we again en- 
camped. 

June 1st we received orders to put ourselves in light marching 
condition, and hold ourselves in readiness to move at short no- 
tice. Accordingly, all boxes and barrels available were put to 
use, and overcoats and all other superfluous luggage was packed 
and sent to the rear. 



110 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Many of the boys (the expiration of whose term of service was 
near at hand) were hoping to escape the dangers of another en- 
gagement, but events now transpiring indicated that an oppor- 
tunity to resist the advance of the enemy would soon materialize. 

At dress parade, June 3d, our colonel addressed the regiment, 
informing them that in all probability they would soon have a 
chance to meet the enemy on a fair field. He hoped to have the 
privilege of leading them again, and had no doubt they would ac- 
quit themselves with credit and return home an honor to the 
state they represented. 

In a short speech of ten minutes, or thereabouts, we were all 
impressed with the certainty of a conflict near at hand. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 384, Part 2.] 

War Department, Washington, June 3, 1863, 11 a. m. 
Major-Gen. Burnside, Lexington, Ky.: 

You will immediately dispatch 8,000 men to General Grant at 
Vicksburg. Should it be found that General Grant will not re- 
quire them, they will be stopped on the way or returned to you 
as early as possible. 

Concentrate your remaining forces as much as you can. I 
think there is no fear of an advance upon Kentucky at present. 

H. W. HALLECK, 

Gen era l-in-Chief. 

June 4th, early in the evening, we received orders to be in 
readiness the following morning at 4.30; each man to be pro 
vided with sixty rounds of ammunition and eight days' rations. 
At five o'clock the next morning the regiment was in line, and, 
in fifteen minutes, was passing through the village of Crab Or- 
chard, taking the Lancaster road, accompanied by the rest of the 
brigade. 

At ten a. m., when within one mile of Lancaster, we turned 
aside and halted. Here it became generally known that we were 
to march to Nicholasville in hot haste, there to find transporta- 
tion to some point as yet unknown to us. 

Various were the surmises as to where we were to go. We 
soon became convinced that the First Brigade was to report at 




Lieut. George Bucklin. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 111 

Vicksburg. Then the question arose. — would the Twelfth con- 
tinue with them? At 2.30 r. m. we were ordered into line again; 
passed through Lancaster, and, at seven, arrived at Camp Dick 
Robinson, having marched twenty-one miles. Here we encamped 
for the night. The appearance of the sky betokening rain, many 
of us took pains to pitch our tents. This, together with making 
coffee and taking a soldier's lunch, occupied our time until ten 
o'clock. About this time we turned in to gain what little rest 
we could before reveille, which was ordered at four in the morn- 
ing. 

At the appointed hour the roll of drums announced our sleep- 
ing hours as over. Turning out in haste, we had hardly time to 
dispatch our rations and pack up before we were called into line. 
At half past four we were on our way again, and, at seven, ap- 
proaching the Kentucky River, we entered Pleasant Valley. 
Here the scenery became most wild and picturesque, and, as we 
crossed the river at Hickman's Bridge, the grandeur of the scen- 
ery impressed us beyond any we had ever witnessed. Mountains 
towered above us in all directions. The bridge, a fine structure, 
built in 1836. was perhaps two hundred feet in length, and 
spanned the Kentucky some sixty feet above its waters. 

After emerging from this defile, and when within one mile of 
Nicholasville, Colonel Griffin received a dispatch detaching us 
from the brigade, with orders for Colonel Browne to report in 
another direction. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Pages 400, 401, Part 2.] 

Munfordville, June 8, 1863, 10 p. m. 

Major-Gen. Burnside : 

Have just received a dispatch from Sturgis, transmitting 
cipher dispatch to him from Carter, which he could not translate. 
The following to him and reply, will explain itself : 

Have just heard that Morgan crossed the river at Burksville 
on Saturday, with from nine to thirteen regiments. Do not know 
the direction he took after leaving Jamestown. He may move 
in the direction of Somerset as rebel prisoners have stated such 
was the intention. The First Tennessee will be directed to look 
out for our trains. The infantrv regiments left Stanford this 



112 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

morning with batteries. Will it not be better to hold the whole 
force for a day or two before sending to Mount Vernon? If 
necessary, will send them to-morrow or whenever you may direct. 
Report says that two regiments are left at Monticello. 
Please answer. 

S. P. CARTER, 

Brig.-Oen. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 440, Part 2.] 

Murfreesborough, June 20, 1863. 
General Hartsuff : 

Morgan is reported nine miles from Lebanon (Tennessee), 
probably on his way into Kentucky. His forces reported 4.000 
and one battery. 

W. S. ROSENCRANS. 
Major-General. 

At this time we were the advance regiment. We immediately 
came to a halt, and, as the brigade passed by, gave each regiment 
three parting cheers, and commenced retracing our steps. After 
marching one-half mile or so, we turned aside to a grove or park 
alongside the thoroughfare where we passed the night. At five 
the next morning we were ordered into line, and, on the tenth 
day of June encamped in Somerset, having marched in six con- 
secutive days over one hundred miles, under a broiling sun, heav- 
ily laden with rations and ammunition beyond the regular equip- 
ment of the soldier; finding ourselves at last twenty-eight miles 
from Crab Orchard, the place from whence we started June 4th. 

Our encampment was located in a grove one-quarter of a mile 
west of the village, on ground occupied by Zollicoffer in 1861. 
Here he prepared to make a stand against the forces sent to repel 
him. Trenches were in evidence, and large, noble trees (felled 
at the time) lay scattered about the grounds. His fate was de- 
cided at Mill Springs Jan. 20, 1862. Boone reports, concerning 
this section of the country between the Cumberland and Green 
Rivers, while on an exploring expedition with his brother in 1770 
and 1771, of observing numerous "sink holes'' or depressions, 
a feature peculiar to a cavernous, limestone country, produced 




Capt. John P. Abbott. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 113 

by the action of the waters, causing the earth to sink after heavy 
rains. 

Here at Somerset, we Lad a notable illustration of this phe- 
nomenon, the significance of which furnished food for reflection 
while contributing largely to our comfort and cleanliness. Di- 
rectly below our camp, some three hundred yards distant, a stroll 
over the green, grassy slope, at easy grade, brought us to the 
bottom of one of these depressions, — a fertile, grassy level area 
of some two or three acres. This basin, or depression, was some- 
what oval in shape, w T hile a stream of water, with banks well de- 
fined, zigzagged its way along its centre. This, a stream of con- 
siderable volume, issued from an opening, or well-defined arch- 
way, at the foot of a precipitous, rocky bluff at the head of this 
basin, and, after coursing its way along the length of this level, 
fertile bottom, entered another opening at the foot of another 
rocky bluff or precipice, — a duplicate of the one from which it 
issued, and disappeared from view. 

This "rock-ribbed" subterranean stream leaving for a few brief 
moments its imprisoned walls ministered to the wants of man 
and beast in no small measure. Nowhere could purer, finer 
water be found than that which tumbles, cold and clear, over the 
rock and broken rolling stone from out this "rock-ribbed," blaek- 
mouthed cavern at Somerset. Imagination calls to mind the 
rock which Moses smote. 

Retrospection also brings to view again the buffalo, the deer, 
and all the varied hosts of animal life abounding in this most 
favored country, present here, around this fount of waters, hold- 
ing their supremacy against the wily savage, but yielding in turn 
before the advance of civilization. 

The timid deer now seldom seen, abounded here, 

Where thousands roamed, unscared. 

No more the hills resound with beating hoof, 

The bisons' heavy charge. 

Alas, not one is left! All, all are gone 

Before the onward march and greed of man. 

Here at Somerset much of our time was taken up trying to 
keep clear of the flies, which swarmed about our camp. It was 
extremely warm during our stay, and the great swarms disport- 



114 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

ing themselves while disputing possession with us over our camp- 
ing ground clearly indicated (with all due respect to the trim 
little village of Somerset) this place as headquarters for flies. 

Doubtless the opportunities afforded here, at Somerset, to 
feed on the debris and choice bits contributed by the Union and 
rebel soldiers frequently encamped in turn here, was duly noticed 
and appreciated, resulting in the development of enormous 
swarms of the largest, fiercest and most vigorous flies that could 
be found anywhere on the American continent. 

June 20th, at noon, we received marching orders again, and, 
at four p. m., encamped on the heights which form the banks of 
the Cumberland River, in the immediate vicinity of Stigall's 
Ferry, seven miles from Somerset. 

OFFICIAL BEVOBBS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 440, Part 2.] 

Somerset, Ky. ; June 20, 1863, 2.05 a. m. 

Gen. Hartsuff : 

Dispatch received. Will start 1,000 mounted men under Col- 
onel Kautz by six a. m. towards Jamestown, supported by regi- 
ment of infantry and a battery. 

CARTER. 



Somerset, June 20, 1863. 

Gen. Sturgis: 

The news I receive through scouts from East Tennessee are so 
conflicting that I am at a loss to know what the rebel force is. 
One puts it down as 7,000 to 8,000, another puts the maximum 
estimate at 20,000. 

General Buckner passed up towards Big Creek Gap last Fri- 
day. He stated at a house on the way that he was coming into 
Kentucky. On Wednesday the force of Pegram was at and in 
vicinity of Travisville. 

A force under Colonel Kautz left for that place at six this 
morning. 

CARTER, 

Brig.-General. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 115 

Ordered into line again the following morning, we commenced 
our return march to Somerset, arriving there at one p. m. Halt- 
ing until three, we then took up our line of march for James 
town, whither we had been ordered. 

We encamped for the night on Logan's Old Fields, where the 
battle of Mill Springs was fought Jan. 20, 1862. This place is 
distant from Somerset nine miles, which made our day's march 
sixteen miles. Here we found the Thirty-second Kentucky 
(Lieutenant-Colonel Morrow), who had started from Somerset 
in advance of us, and who were to be our companions at James- 
town, — the two regiments under the command of Colonel 
Browne, of our regiment, the senior officer. 

At five, the following morning, the Thirty-second took the lead, 
followed immediately by the Twelfth. We reached Shady Creek 
at eight p. m., where we encamped, having made a march of six- 
teen miles over the roughest road conceivable. At twelve m., the 
next day, we passed through Jamestown and encamped in the 
immediate vicinity, having marched ten miles. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 468, Part 2.] 

June 20, 1803. 
Gen. Hartsuff, Lexington, Ky. 

The following has just been received from Louisville: 

Louisville,, June 20, 1803. 
General Burnside : 

J. T. Bramlette telegraphs from Columbia that Morgan's 
whole force is at Burkesville but on the opposite side of the river. 

Grigsby's regiment is certainly there. Twenty of them were 
in Burkesville yesterday. Pegrani's men are dismounted. The 
river is fordable. Bramlette regards this as perfectly reliable, 
having obtained his information from a gentleman who was at 
Burkesville yesterday and saw the rebels there. 

Number of the enemy not ascertained. 

Very respectfully, 

A. C. SEMPLE, 

Assistant Adjt.-Gm. 
A. E. Burnside, 

Maj. -Gen. 



116 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 679, Part 1.] 

Lexington, July 1, 1863, 6.55 p. m. 
(Received 7.30 p. m.) 
Gen. Burnside: 

Just received dispatch from Judah, who is at Tompkins ville. 
The enemy is nearly opposite Burkesville, from 5,000 to 7,000. 
They probably intend advancing by two routes. The present 
disposition of his ( Judah's) force is better than at Burkes ville, 
which, if occupied, must be with his entire division, leaving en- 
emy free to cross anywhere after river falls. 

From GEO. L. HARTSUFF, 

Major-General. 

June 24th our teams started for Lebanon, sixty miles distant, 
to procure supplies, and it soon became evident that we were not 
to remain idle here. Our scouts reported the enemy massing in 
force on the southern bank of the Cumberland; clearly indicat- 
ing their purpose to cross the river at some point apparently, 
as yet, not determined on; possibly in our immediate neighbor- 
hood. 

A large force was sent out three miles on the road towards 
Columbia, where a rude fort was constructed and garrisoned 
under the supervision of our colonel. Detachments were sent 
also in other directions to fell trees and otherwise obstruct the 
roads, and all things were made ready to give the enemy a warm 
reception. 

In the meantime, it becoming known that our assailants were 
composed largely, or wholly, of cavalry and mounted infantry, 
indicated that which was very soon made manifest, namely, that 
John H. Morgan was again at the head of affairs in our imme- 
diate front, and resolved, apparently with largely augmented 
numbers, to eclipse his former record of 1862. Later on we 
learned that arrangements had been made for General Buckner 
to co-operate by a rapid movement of his command from East 
Tennessee across the Kentucky line, joining forces with Morgan, 
Louisville being the objective point. 

It was our good fortune not to be brought between "the upper 
and nether millstone," as this arrangement most certainly im- 




Lieut. George F. Bickneix. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 117 

plied, if Rosencrans, by engaging Buckner's attention, had not 
prevented him from carrying out his part of the programme. 

June 28th Colonel Wolford's famous cavalry regiment, six 
hundred strong, with the Second and Seventh Ohio regiments. 
mounted infantry under Colonel Kautz, having been pushed for- 
ward rapidly to our support, arrived, after which there was con- 
stant reconnoisance and occasional skirmishing with Morgan's 
advance. Heavy pickets were kept out constantly, and with 
much anxiety we awaited the arrival of our supply teams, now 
overdue. Our rations were giving out, and. adding to our dis- 
comfort, it rained constantly every day, occasionally pouring in 
torrents. 

Owing to the heavy, continuous rainfall, the Cumberland River 
was extremely high and unfordable, while bridges spanning the 
tributary rivers were carried away, accounting, in a measure. 
for the non-arrival of our supplies, as we learned later. The 
inconvenience arising from short rations and heavy weather, we 
must consider as small items compared with what might have 
been the result involving the Twelfth Regiment Rhode Island 
Volunteers, if pleasant days and a fordable river had made it 
possible for the enemy to have effected a crossing at an earlier 
date. 

The heavy rainfall delayed the advance of Morgan, who. hav- 
ing finally succeeded in securing transportation by means of flat 
and ferry boats, on the 2d of July pushed his entire force across 
the river at and near Burkesville, some fifteen or twenty miles 
distant from Jamestown, and. after an engagement with Hobson 
at Marrowbone, quickly took direction for Columbia, which place 
he occupied July 3d. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 679, Part I.] 

Marrowbone, July •"». isc>:;, 12.30 p. m.. 
Via Glasgow, July -1. L.45, p. ai. 

Gen. Hartsuff, Lexington, Ky.: 

An attempt to force General Hobson's position was made yes- 
terday by two commands of cavalry; one consisting of four regi 
ments, about 1,500 to 1,800 in the aggregate, on the two flanks, 



IIS HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

the other counted 970 strong, following up the Ninth Kentucky 
Cavalry on the direct road from Burkesville, and charging it up 
to the main camp. Our loss, 20 killed, wounded and missing. 
From evidence consisting of empty saddles, his loss was greater 
than our own. It is certain that the enemy on this side of the 
river is 3,000 strong. It is probable that he is more than 4,000 
strong from other evidences deemed reliable, but not positive. 
The enemy crossed on flat and ferry boats. 

H. M. JUDAH. 
(Commanding Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps.) 
[Forwarded to Burnside.] 

Owing to the bad condition of the telegraph line a message 
which should have reached Colonel Wolford the evening of July 
2d ordering him to reach Columbia in advance of Morgan did 
not arrive until the afternoon of July 3d, thus enabling Morgan 
to occupy Columbia with very little opposition, and, being 
thoroughly equipped for continued rapid movement, after an en- 
gagement at Green River bridge, or Tebbs Bend, July 4th. we 
find him, July 5th, at Lebanon. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 683, Part 1.] 

Marrowbone, July 3, 1863, 2.45 p. m. 

To Gen. Hartsupf : 

Evidence within the hour is positive that the rebel mounted 
force of from 1,500 or 2,000 have gone towards Columbia. Not 
knowing what disposition of Carter's forces, i$ any, have been 
made in that direction, I have ordered Shackelford immediately, 
by a shorter route than that upon the map, to proceed to Col- 
umbia. I have added the Twelfth Kentucky Cavalry to his com- 
mand. 

Shackelford will have a force of 1,800 men. 

H. M. JUDAH. 



July 3, 8 p. m. 

The development of the past two hours verifies my conjecture 
and justifies the movements. 

The Eighth Kentucky Cavalry has been in Burkes ville. No 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 11 9 

enemy in front. Hobson's brigade I have ordered to follow up 
Shackelford. 

Morgan's whole force, from 4,000 to 5,000, has advanced to- 
wards Columbia. 

JUDAH. 

From this place our supply teams, having left a few days 
before en route for Jamestown by way of Columbia, laden with 
the much needed supplies for our regiment, came somewhat near 
discharging their freight at Columbia directly into the hands of 
Morgan's cavalry. They had passed Green River bridge and 
were hurrying along and had nearly reached Columbia before 
they were aware of the impending danger, being apprised of 
which, they rapidly turned about, recrossed Green River, where, 
meeting a force of thirty men from the Seventh Ohio Cavalry, 
Captain J. P. Higley commanding, sent from Lebanon to protect 
them, they concluded to make a stand until morning. In the 
course of the night the bridge was carried away by high water, 
caused by the heavy rain, obliging them to reach Jamestown by a 
circuitous route, crossing the river at a ford some twenty miles 
to the north. At a place near Newsville, July 3d, when within 
ten miles of our camp at Jamestown, they were attacked by u 
detachment of Morgan's cavalry. The guard, equal to the emerg- 
ency, dashed among them with great fury, repulsing them, kill- 
ing two, wounding two, and capturing three, without any loss 
on our part. 

OFFICIAL EECOBDX. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page CM, Part 1.] 

Lexington, July 4, 1863, 11 a. m. 

Gen. Burnside: 

Morgan is reported in Columbia with two brigades and six 
pieces of artillery. . . . Is'ews of Morgan being in Columbia 
comes from Lieut.-Col. Adams through Carter and is undoubt- 
edly correct. He must have got ahead of Shackelford. . . . 
Have not heard from Judah since yesterday. His dispositions 
then were as follows: 

Shackelford with 1.800 cavalry on his way to Columbia by a 
shorter road than Morgan; 800 cavalry on the way to Greens- 
burg; portions of Hobson's infantry on direct road from Mar- 



120 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

rowbone to Columbia ; . . . 1,400 cavalry from Jamestown 
would have been ahead of Morgan but telegraph line worked 
badly so that dispatches sent to Carter yesterday, only reached 
him this morning, ... If the enemy leave before we arrive 
it will be a stern chase after him. 

GEO. L. HARTSUFF, 

Maj. -General. 

The same day, shortly thereafter, our supply teams arrived 
in Jamestown, much excited over their encounter with the en- 
emy ; all unanimous in bestowing great praise on Captain Higley 
and his men, through whose efforts they were enabled to finally 
land in camp at Jamestown, present the welcome rations to anx 
ions, hungry comrades, and relate to eager listeners the hair- 
raising experience encountered by flood and field, along the high- 
ways and byways of Kentucky. 

Meanwhile we were expecting to be attacked and were twice 
called into line. 

July 4th at an early hour in the morning, an artillery salute 
from the First Kentucky Cavalry in commemoration of "the day 
we celebrate," caused quite a commotion throughout our camp. 

The roar of artillery close at hand followed by the beating of 
the ''long roll" from our drummers, resulting from our failure to 
interpret aright the cause of this uproar, brought the regiment 
into line, and to an immediate assignment of position to resist 
attack. 

Our situation here at "Jimtown" would seem to debar us from 
an observance of the 4th of July in a manner necessitating a 
waste of ammunition, but Colonel Wolford's famous regiment of 
Kentuckians could not forego the opportunity to emphasize their 
loyalty and hurl defiance at Morgan's approaching columns. 

OFFICIAL RECOBDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 085, Parti.] 

Somerset, July 4, 1863. 
Major-General Hartsuff : 

Dispatches from Colonel Wolford are this morning received. 
One hundred of his force sent to Columbia under Capt. Carter, 
First Kentucky Cavalry, met near that place what they supposed 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 121 

to be a regiment of rebels, and were repulsed and driven back to 
Columbia. Our men had occupied the Court House, and, at last 
accounts, were engaged with the enemy. Re-enforcements from 
Colonel Wolford were close at hand. Captain Carter was se- 
verely wounded, and several men lost. The train on its way 
from Lebanon was attacked near Newsville. Captain J. P. Hig- 
ley of Seventh Ohio Cavalry, commanded the escort of thirty 
men. He repulsed the rebels, killed 2, wounded 2 and captured 
3 without any loss on our part. Rebel prisoners state that Mor- 
gan's whole force, amounting to 10 regiments, crossed at Burkes- 
ville. 

CARTER. 

Brig.-Gen. Commanding 1st Brig., 1st Div., 23d Army Corps. 



OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 686, Part 1.] 

Somerset, July 4, 1863. 

Maj.-Gen. Hartsuff : 

Have just heard from Colonel Wolford at Jamestown. He re- 
ports his force had returned from Columbia with loss of 2 killed 
and 6 slightly wounded. Captain Carter's wound mortal ; 6 reb- 
els were killed and some 15 wounded. Morgan with 3,000 to 
4.000 men and six pieces passed through Columbia last night 
going in direction of Lebanon. 

Colonel Wolford will pursue to-night. 

I have no news from Lexington since 8.30 a. m., and nothing 
north of Columbia in regard to rebel movements. 

S. I'. CARTER, 

Brigadier-General. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 692 Part, l.J 

Cincinnati, July 5, L863. 

General Hartsuff: 

Following just received : 

Lebanon, 9 p. m. 

Rebels attacked this post about seven a. m.. Colonel Sanson, 
commanding post, fought them six hours. Most of bis command 
taken prisoners, 5 killed on our side. Re enforcements arrived 
about two o'clock, and rebels left as soon as they arrived, taking 



122 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

road to Springfield. Colonel Hanson was paroled. Rebels de- 
stroyed depot, telegraph Office and about ten private dwellings, 
robbed stores and killed one woman; Morgan's command con- 
sisting of two brigades and two full batteries. 

Operator. 
A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major-General. 

Meantime information reached Jamestown that Morgan had 
avoided us, and, with his whole force, estimated at four or five 
thousand strong, was already in Columbia. Nothing now re- 
mained for troops along the Cumberland but to give chase. 

The cavalry and mounted infantry were already away in hot 
pursuit, with Morgan a day in advance of them, while we were 
ordered to return to Somerset; upon which the stores were put 
aboard the teams, and, on the morning of the 5th, at nine o'clock, 
Ave took up our line of march. It was a very warm, sultry day, 
and the roads were in bad condition owing to the heavy rains, 
making our march extremely difficult. The importance of mov- 
ing as rapidly as possible possessed the whole regiment while 
floundering through the mud, while the temptation to lighten 
the weary back of its heavy burden resulted in a somewhat gen- 
eral unloading of tents and blankets along the highway; at the 
same time relieving their minds concerning the object of this 

move, the d d Morgan, and the whole d d catalogue of 

rebels, in language more forcible than elegant. 

We arrived at Russell's Spring in due time, making a halt 
there until four p. m. We had twenty-five prisoners with us to 
be delivered here, of which we were glad to be relieved. 

At four we started, at which time it commenced to rain, keep- 
ing it up until dark. Much of the time it poured in torrents, 
but we made a march of eight miles with only two halts of five 
minutes each, and at dark encamped one mile from Shady Creek, 
soaked to the skin. It was not found possible for our supply 
team to keep pace over the very rough roads where alternate 
sections of mud and rock made progress well-nigh impossible. 
Overcoming obstacles at last, almost insurmountable, they finally 
put in an appearance, and, at nine o'clock, on the morning of the 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 123 

6th, we again took up our line of march, and. alter covering a dis- 
tance of eleven miles, halted for the night, reaching Somerset 
the next day, July 7th, at seven o'clock in the evening. 

The next day, July 8th, Morgan, with his whole force, suc- 
ceeded in crossing the Ohio River at Brandenburg, landing in 
Indiana below Louisville at a point distant from Somerset one 
hundred miles northwest. General Hobson, who held position 
at Tompkinsville at the time Morgan crossed the Cumberland at 
Burkesville on the morning of July 4th, gave chase, arriving at 
Lebanon, Kentucky, July 6th, at 1.30 p. m., soon after which, 
Colonel Wolford, from Somerset, arriving, General Hobson. as- 
suming command of the combined force numbering 2,500 cavalry 
and mounted infantry, left in hot haste by way of Springfield. 
Bardstown and Brandenburg, arriving in Brandenburg in time 
to see one of the transports, which had set Morgan and his men 
across the Ohio River, in flames and hear their shouts of tri- 
umph. Hobson was twenty-four hours in obtaining transporta- 
tion to cross, when the pursuit was resumed. 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 702, Part 1.] 

July 7, 1863. 

Gen. Hartsuff, Camp Nelson, Ky.: 

The following has just been received from General Boyle: 

Louisville, July 7, 1863, 6.30 p. m. 

General Hobson with eight regiments of cavalry and mounted 
infantry is at Shepherdsville in pursuit of Morgan, pressing him 
close. Morgan has gone towards Elizabethtown or Branden- 
burg. I send boat with 300 men to Brandenburg. I have an- 
swered Hobson, by your authority, to pursue Morgan to the ex- 
tremity of endurance of his horses and men. Morgan has suf- 
fered much in loss of officers and men. He is robbing all citizens 
and prisoners of money. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

[fajor-General. 



124 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Cincinnati, July 8, 1863. 
Gen. Boyle. Louisville, Ey. : 

The following has just been received from New Albany : Mor- 
gan's force, from 3,000 to 5,000 strong, have crossed the river at 
Brandenburg. They captured one gun, 50 Home Guards, and 
killed 4. A boat has just come up for re-enforcements. 
This is reliable. 

Thomas W. Fry, 

Surgeon U. S. Army. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major-General. 

On the afternoon of July 8th, while Morgan was crossing 
the Ohio River, with Hobson and Wolford at his heels, one hun- 
dred miles away to the northwest, the Twelfth Rhode Island 
Regiment at Somerset was called into line, and at five p. m. 
turned our faces to the north, to speedily lessen the distance 
gained by Hobson, Wolford and Morgan, as we marched again 
for Hickman's Bridge by way of Crab Orchard and Stanford. 
Marched six miles and halted for the night. July 9th marched 
twenty-two miles, reaching Crab Orchard at eight p. m. The 
next day passed through Stanford, and halted for dinner one 
mile from the village at eleven a. m. 

Here our colonel was informed that he could give his regiment 
a ride on the supply train which was all ready for Hickman's 
Bridge. Our colonel gladly accepted the offer, and in one-half 
hour we were aboard and on our way, much to the relief of weary 
backs and blistering feet. The train made a halt at Dick River 
where we dismounted and encamped. 

The next day, July 11th. at one p. m., we dismounted at Hick- 
man's Bridge, marched up the steep incline leading from the 
river, and at two p m. halted for further orders. Here we re- 
mained until the following morning, when, receiving orders to 
report in Cincinnati, we marched to Nicholasville, boarded the 
train, and the same night, at eleven o'clock, arrived in Covington. 

On the 13th, at seven a. m., we crossed the Ohio, and, stacking 
arms in front of the Fifth Street Market House, and with the 
generous 'collation and entertainment provided us on the evening 




Lieut. Hexry M. Tillinghast. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 1 2 O 

of March 30th at the same place still fresh in memory, we waited 
the call for breakfast. Here we learned that the omnipresent 
Morgan was within a few miles of the city and advancing; mar 
tial law was to take effect in the city at ten a. m.; companies 
were arming and organizing; that Hobson and Wolford. now 
only a few miles away, were rapidly pushing Morgan in our di- 
rection, and that we had arrived just in time to assist in saving 
the city from the assault of the enemy. 

After partaking of a most generous collation at the Fifth 
Street Market House, we lined up, took our arms, and, taking di- 
rection up Vine Street, at its junction with a road at Mount Au- 
burn, on elevated ground overlooking the city and the country 
for many miles around, on the afternoon of July 13th, we estab- 
lished our camp, which, on the same evening, the redoubtable 
John H. illuminated by the burning of bridges, railroad trains, 
etc., the flames from which were plainly visible, the points of 
destruction being only a few miles away. 

Concerning the destruction of property, horse stealing, etc. 
the writer will quote from General Shackelford, who writes: 

"Our pursuit was much retarded by the enemy burning all the 
bridges in our front. He had every advantage. Morgan's sys- 
tem of horse stealing was perfect. He would dispatch men from 
the head of each regiment, on each side of the road, to go five 
miles into the country, seizing every horse, and then fall in at 
the rear of the column. In this way, he swept the country for 
ten miles of all the horses. His depredations on the property of 
citizens, his recklessness of the rights and lives of the people, 
while traveling in these two states (Indiana and Ohio) is with- 
out a parallel in war/' 

Here in Cincinnati our meagre marching rations of maggoty 
bacon gave way to a bountiful supply of the choicest hams cooked 
to a turn ; while the relay of sharp carving knives at hand indi- 
cated a decided change in the commissary department. It is 
needless to say that when the command was given to charge on 
these hams, every man was present, no stragglers reported. Sub 
sequent engagements failed to dislodge these hams, which were 
strongly entrenched and continually re-enforced. 



126 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 634, Part 1.] 

Cincinnati, Ohio, Jul}' 20, 1863. 

I telegraphed you on the 17th that our forces were closing 
around Morgan with a fair prospect of finally capturing or de- 
stroying the entire force. 

During the last three days he has been trying to cross the river 
between Marietta and Portsmouth, but our forces have been 
harassing him, and, up to the last advices, we have captured more 
than half of his force, all of his artillery, destroyed all his wagon 
trains, and killed some 200. Among the prisoners are Basil 
[W.] Duke, Colonel Dick [R. C] Morgan (brother of the gen- 
eral), and some 48 commissioned officers. His command is com- 
pletely broken up and scattered, and constantly surrendering in 
small bodies. Not over 20 or 30 have succeeded in crossing the 
river thus far. We hope to capture the whole remaining force 
within the next twenty-four hours. 

A. E. BURNSIDE. 
Major-General Commanding. 

Maj.-Gen. H. W. Halleck, General-in-Chief . 
(Copy to Governor Tod, Columbus, Ohio.) 

OFFICIAL RECORDS. 
[Series 1, Vol. XXIII, Page 630, Part 1.] 

Cincinnati, Ohio, July 26, 1863. 

The following just received at the headquarters from General 
Shackelford : 

Headquarters, U. S. Forces, 
In the Field, three miles south of New Lisbon, via Salineville. — 3.30 p. m. 

By the blessing of Almighty God, I have succeeded in captur- 
ing General John H. Morgan, Colonel Cluke and the balance of 
the command, amounting to about 400 prisoners. I will start 
with Morgan and staff in first train for Cincinnati, and await 
the general's order for transportation for the balance. 

I have given directions for the return of the command. 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

Major-General . 
Maj.-Gen. H. W. Halleck, 

Gen eral-in-CMef. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 1 27 

Information coming in from day to day now gave assurance 
that our cavalry and mounted infantry had now caught up with 
Morgan, whose only hope of escape, with even a portion of his 
command was to recross the Ohio and make good his retreat by 
way of West Virginia. His inability to accomplish this, after 
persistent effort, resulted in the capture of himself and entire 
force; the last turn of the screw, the grand finale, taking place 
July 26th in Columbiana County, three miles south of New Lis- 
bon, twelve miles north of the Ohio River, and distant east-north- 
east from Cincinnati two hundred and twenty miles. 

In the meantime, while these events were transpiring, and all 
apprehension of danger to Cincinnati from Morgan past, we were 
relieved, and, at seven a. m., Sunday, July 19th, we left for Rhode 
Island, where, on the 29th day of July, 18G3, we were mustered 
out of the service of the United States. 

Before setting aside our record of Wolford and Kautz, with 
whom we were associated at Jamestown, on the Cumberland, and 
who were foremost in pursuit of Morgan from start to finish, we 
will quote from a letter of General Shackelford concerning them, 
wherein he writes : 

"The noble, true and gallant Wolford, who was in the entire 
pursuit, is one of the coolest, bravest and most efficient officers 
in the army ; and he fairly won, by his untiring energy, promo- 
tion at the hands of the Government." 

Colonel Kautz is also spoken of as "deserving the gratitude of 
the whole country for his courage and gallantry." 

Correspondence Providence Journal. 

From the Cincinnati Gazette. July 20, 1S63. 
A Musical Regiment. 

In the Twelfth Rhode Island Regiment which was camped last 
week on Vine Street Hill, near the Methodist Church, were many 
capital singers. Thursday evening, after "dress parade," that 
beautiful and touching hymn, "Nearer, my God, to thee," was 
sung by a portion of the regiment in a style seldom excelled by 
any choir or congregation. 

Wednesday evening, on invitation, a large number of the men 
of the regiment attended the prayer and social meeting in the 
vestry of the church; the exercises being conducted by a local 



128 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Methodist minister of Providence, Rev. Charles M. Winchester, 
lieutenant in Company C. 

The singing, chiefly conducted by the soldiers, was appropri- 
ate, earnest, methodical and hearty. Several of the soldiers also 
spoke. 

Thursday evening, a wish having been generally expressed that 
there should be a purely social meeting of the Mt. Auburn peo- 
ple and soldiers, the main audience room of the church was 
thrown open, and, by eight o'clock, it was comfortably filled. 

Private Dearth, an organist of Bristol, R. I., presided with the 
ease and skill of an adept at the melodion, and, after the singing 
of one or two pieces from the "Oriola," an introductor}- speech 
was made by Mr. House of the Christian Advocate, followed by 
appropriate addresses from A. F. Perry, Esq., Lieutenant Win- 
chester, George F. Davis, and Judge Taft. 

In the course of his remarks Mr. Perry said, that though 
'•Rhode Island" was little in square miles, she was big in patri- 
otic hearts. 

Three days after the first call of the President, she had a body 
of military at Washington. She had two regiments, and her 
Governor, at the great Bull Run fight, and her regiments, or ar- 
tillery — 14 of the former, and ten of the latter — were to be found 
in almost every section of the Union. Wherever a battle was 
fought, ask for a Rhode Island regiment, and the answer was, 
"Here." 

Roger Williams was driven from Massachusetts because he did 
not recognize the right of the civil magistrate to interfere in the 
right of religious belief. There is no liberty of speech, or free- 
dom of action where there is no religious toleration ; and we are 
to-night not so much to sing "the spirit of John Brown is 
marching on," as we are to sing the older one, "the spirit of Roger 
Williams is marching on." 

The speech was just such an one as Mr. Perry can make, earn- 
est, compact, thoughtful, eloquent, and adjusted to the time and 
place. It was repeatedly enthusiastically applauded, and Lieu- 
tenant Winchester, at the close, said he had come away from 
home and learned more about Rhode Island, than he had learned 
at home. In the audience was Captain Oliver Hazard Perry, of 
Company H, a descendant of the former Lake Erie Commodore 
Perry, and, though he was urged to make a speech, he gracefully 
declined the honor. 

At ten o'clock, with the singing of "The Star Spangled Ban- 
ner," the citizens and the boys, dispersed ; all apparently well 
pleased with the entertainment, and the acquaintanceship 
formed. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 129 

The particulars of our journey from Cincinnati, together with 
our reception in Providence, we copy from the Providence Even- 
ing Press, of July 22d, at the conclusion of which is appended the 
order which General Burnside, in appreciation of our services. 
upon our leaving his department, issued to the regiment: 

Return op the Twelfth Regiment. 

This noble regiment returned home to-day from its arduous 
and protracted service at the seat of war. The unusual amount 
of hardship and exposure to which it has been subjected, the im- 
portant duties which it has performed, and the heavy losses it 
has sustained in the defense of its country, made it highly appro- 
priate that it should be received with demonstrations expressive 
of the popular interest in all that concerns our brave soldiers. 

The record of this regiment will compare favorably with that 
of any nine months' regiment during the war. In addition to 
long and frequent marches, they have spent seven months of 
their time at the front, in the face of danger, and where the du- 
ties imposed upon them have taxed their every energy to the 
utmost. 

The regiment left Cincinnati on Sunday morning and pro- 
ceeded to Dunkirk by rail, on the Erie Railroad, and thence to 
New York, where they arrived at eleven o'clock yesterday morn- 
ing. They started about one o'clock for Providence, on the 
steamer Commodore, arriving about four o'clock, a short distance 
below Nayatt, where they anchored. They came up to the city 
shortly afterwards, and landed about seven o'clock. 

A salute was fired by the Marine Artillery. The Fourth and 
Sixth Regiments, Rhode Island Militia, were drawn up on Bene- 
fit Street to receive the returning veterans, and loudly cheered 
them as they passed through the open lines. A crowd of expect- 
ant friends who had assembled at the Point, immediately 
gathered around the gallant boys, and the short halt was im- 
proved in the interchange of greetings. 

About eight o'clock the line of march was formed in the follow- 
ing order: 

American Brass Band. 

Drum Corps. 

Section ok Marine Artillery. 

Sixth Regiment B. I. M., Col. James II. Akmington. 

Drum Corps. 

Fourth Regiment R. I. M., Col. Nelson Viali. 

9 



130 HISTORY OB 1 THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Drum Corps. 

Twelfth Regiment R. I. V., Col. George II. Browne. 
Lieut. Col. James Shaw, Jr., Maj. Cyrus G. Dyer. 
Adjutant Matthew N. Chappell. 
CO. B, Capt. James M. Longstreet. 

Lieuts. Albert W. Delanah and Charles A. Winchester. 
CO. I, Capt. George A. Spink. 

Lieuts. Munson H. Najac and John H. W'eaver. 
CO. F, Capt. William E. Hubbard. 

Lieuts. William II. King and Francisco M. Ballou. 
CO. K, Capt. Oscar Lapham. 

Lieuts. Edmund W. Fales and Charles II. Potter. 
CO. E, (Color Company.) 

Capt. John J. Phillips. 

Lieuts. Luther Cole and Edward V. Westcott. 
CO. D, Capt, John P. Abbott. 

Lieuts. George H. Tabor and Henry M. Tillingiiast. 
CO. H, Capt. Oliyer H. Perry. 

Lieuts. Arnold Salisbury and J. N. Williams. 
CO. A, Capt. Christopher H. Alexander. 

Lieuts. Edward F. Bacon and Joseph C. Whiting, Jb. 
CO. G, Capt. William C. Rogers. 

Lieuts. James A. Bowen and Fenner Peckiiam, Je. 
CO. C, Capt. James H. Allen. 

Lieuts. George Bucklin and Beriah Browning. 

Quartermaster John L. Clarke. 

Surgeon Benoni Carpenter. 

Assist. Surgeon Samuel M. Fletcher. 

Chaplain S. W. Field. 
Rear guard of twenty men detailed from all the companies. 

The procession marched over the usual route to Exchange 
Place, where the men stacked arms, and universal handshaking 
was the order of the day. The streets were lined with people. 
Flags were hung out all along the line of march; handkerchiefs 
were waving everywhere, and bouquets and wreaths w^ere scat- 
tered with a liberal hand. The regiments doing escort duty 
turned out with very full ranks, and made a most effective dem- 
onstration. A fine collation, served by L. A. Humphreys, was 
provided for the troops in Howard Hall. There were eight ta- 
bles running the entire length of the room, neatly spread with 
most acceptable fare, presenting a most cheerful and inviting ap- 
pearance. 

The officers of the regiments were entertained upon the plat- 
form; about two thousand plates were laid, and all three of the 
regiments were amply provided for. 

The Rev. Dr. Swain, of the Sixth Regiment, invoked a blessing 




Capt. Oliver H. Perry. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 131 

upon the repast, after which his Excellency Governor Smith, 
came forward, and, in a very happy manner, welcomed the regi- 
ment back to the State, and thanked them for the services they 
had rendered in the field. 

Colonel Browne responded substantially as follows : 

•'In my own behalf, and that of the officers and soldiers under 
my command, I thank you for the kind manner in which you 
have been pleased to speak of us. Next to the approbation of 
our own conscience, we prize most highly the approbation of 
those we love. That approbation we enjoy. To the utmost of 
our ability since we left the State we have endeavored to uphold 
her honor, and to labor for the suppression of the Rebellion. We 
prize this reception as an evidence of your approval. Your 
words of praise show that our services have not been unmarked. 
Still it may be well for one to advert briefly to some facts in our 
history as a regiment. 

"We have traveled over three thousand five hundred miles, five 
hundred of which has been on foot, literally carrying the houses 
we lived in, the provisions on which we were to subsist for six 
and even eight days, and the arms with which we were to defend 
ourselves and oppose the enemy. 

"On the field of Fredericksburg one hundred and nine of my 
brave men were lost to my command. Afterwards when pesti- 
lence stalked through our camp, and, amid hardships and priva- 
tion, one hundred and twenty more were swept away in three 
short weeks,- — not all, indeed, to the silent grave, since a few 
still linger in hospitals. 

"But through the constant efforts of my officers to preserve 
cleanliness and discipline in cainp, we are happy in bringing back 
to our friends to-daj 7 over seven hundred of those who marched 
with me to the banks of the Rappahannock. 

"Our duties have been of the most varied kind. But through 
them all the uniform kindness of the State has at all times 
watched over us. While we were in camp, where pestilence as 
sailed us and want made us suffer, your good ship Elizabeth and 
Helen brought us much needed supplies, and, if your bounty 
burdened our backs, it certainly lightened our hearts and. cheered 
us on the weary march. 

"Let me, in conclusion, congratulate you, the officers who sur- 
round you, and all our citizens, that we arrive at home at a time 
when everything is so cheering and prosperous. Gentlemen. . 
. . you will see this country a reunited country, a mighty na- 
tion whose arms will be more a shield for every citizen than was 
ever Rome in her proudest days." 



132 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

At the conclusion of the collation, the military were dismissed. 
The Twelfth Regiment was ordered to reassemble in this city on 
Wednesday next at ten o'clock. 

Headquarters, Department of the Ohio. 

Cincinnati, Ohio. July 17, 1863. 

General Orders, 
No. 115. 

On the departure of the Twelfth Regiment Rhode Island Vol- 
unteers, at the expiration of their term of enlistment, the com- 
manding general wishes to express his regret at taking leave of 
soldiers who, in their brief service, have become veterans. After 
passing through experiences of great hardship and danger, they 
will return with the proud satisfaction that in the ranks of their 
countFy's defenders, the reputation of their State has not suf- 
fered in their hands. 

BY COMMAND OF MAJOR-GENERAL BURN SIDE. 

LEWIS RICHMOND. 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 



PART SECOND 



A Narrative of the Twelfth Rhode Island 

Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War from 

January 8, 1863, to July 17 1863. 

COMPILED BY 

COL. DANIEL R. BALLOU, 
Fkcm Letters of Gen. James Shaw, Jr. 



James Shaw, Jr., of Providence, R, I., having been commis- 
sioned lieutenant-colonel of the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteer 
Infantry on the 31st of December, 1862, was mustered in as such 
on the fifth day of January, 1863, at Providence. He joined the 
regiment near Falmouth, Va., on the 8th. 

The regiment had been encamped with the Ninth Corps across 
the river from Fredericksburg since the battle early in Decem- 
ber. The men were enduring great discomfort, if not: actual suf- 
fering, for want of adequate shelter from the midwinter winds 
and storms that swept down from the north. Many of the men 
were without blankets, which had been lost during the fight, and 
had only shelter tents to protect them from the cold and storms. 
When the weather was mild or it rained the clayey soil was one 
sea of mud inside as well as outside of the rude shelters which 
had been improvised out of shelter tents, boughs and cracker 
boxes. 

An abstract from a letter written by a New York officer in tlie 
corps of Sigel dated at Stafford Court House, Va., December 
10th, well describes the situation of the entire army during that 
winter. 

. . . "Our one tent is a pig-sty. Four of us sleep and six 
of us eat and write in it. We have nothing either in our one 
stove inside or on the little space outside that can be called a 



136 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

fire. The wood is all green pine. The smoke hangs to the ground 
and there is no wind to blow off what comes from a whole divi- 
sion crowded into an acre or two of land. Everybody is crying. 
Everybody is cross. . . . It is hard to get water, and such a 
thing as a good wash is unknown. . . . Everybody in camp 
has a cold. . . . Our Dutch doctor has been drunk for two 
days and is in arrest . . . and there is no delicacy or com- 
fort to be found the whole country through; . . . mud is 
everywhere." 

A correspondent writing from the regiment at Newport News 
thus described the situation of the camp of the Twelfth near 
Falmouth : 

"At the last camp near Falmouth, which the boys call "Camp 
between life and death, " we got but little to eat that did us any 
good, lived in mud, water and smoke, until we were so poor and 
black that could Wendell Phillips have seen us, he would have 
found (the poor black man of the Union army) a good theme for 
his eloquence and benevolence. Coming up out of that "Valley 
and the shadow of death."' and pitching our tents here in this 
land "flowing with milk and honey," . . . and an abundance 
of army supplies from Uncle Sam, it has taken nearly all our 
time to renew our wasted bodies and revive our drooping spirits, 
that we may be prepared for the duties that await us." 

With all these discomforts and deprivations the men had come 
to accept the situation resignedly, if not with a degree of cheer- 
fulness as the common lot of a soldier's experience. 

Amid such depressing surroundings Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw 
found the regiment ; but officers and men received him with a cor- 
dial welcome. 

Quartermaster General George Lewis Cooke, who came on to 
Washington with us as acting lieutenant-colonel, left the regi- 
ment in November at Fairfax Seminary and returned home, since 
which time the vacancy had been unfilled. 

The regiment had been so much on the move that there had 
been but little opportunity for drill, in which it was somewhat 
deficient. The boys had heard of Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw f s 
coming and that he was a strict disciplinarian. Many of the 
boys hailed his coming on this account with much satisfaction, 
while others, chafing against all discipline, were prepared to 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 1 37 

dislike him. It was soon evident after Lieutenant-Colonel 
Shaw's arrival that the regiment was going to he brought up 
to the proper fighting standard, let the hoys like it or not. 
It was at the request of Colonel Browne that Lieutenant- 
Colonel Shaw assumed the duty of bringing the regiment up 
to an efficient standard as a fighting machine. There was a good 
deal of kicking around the camp-fires, a deal of pretty harsh 
criticism expressed in undertones, as to the unfeeling and severe 
treatment to which the boys were being subjected. But all 
hands, aside from the shirks, finally came to understand that 
this same unwelcome discipline was their only safeguard in the 
stern business of war. 

Each day now had its round of picket duty along the banks of 
the Kappahannock or of company or battalion drill. 

On the 20th of January there were signs of some general move- 
ment by the great army which for many weeks had lain passively 
along those heights like some monster creature with a vast body, 
and many limbs and feet. First it lifts its head and puts for- 
ward a foot, then slowly another and another until its great body 
is raised from the ground upon which it rested. Then it slowly 
moves forward one foot after another until its vast bulk is in 
motion. So all day long, regiments, brigades, and divisions, the 
feet of this great army were moving, while other feet were await 
ing their turn. Colonel Browne, during the day. called at Gen- 
eral Burnside's headquarters. He returned saying: "The army 
is in motion and the regiment will soon receive its orders/' All 
the morning there could be seen a long line of troops moving 
along a road up the river about a mile in the rear of the camp of 
the Twelfth. At two o'clock in the afternoon the regiment re- 
ceived orders from General Burnside saying: "The army of the 
Potomac will soon meet the enemy and strike a fatal blow." 

At about ten o'clock on the evening of that day the order came 
to be ready to move at four o'clock the next morning, the 21 s(. 
At (3.30 on the evening of the 20th it began to rain, and soon the 
storm developed into a raging tempest. At two a m. an order 
was received, dated 20th, 8.30 p. m., directing the regiment not to 
move if the rain should continue. The next day the storm was 
unabated, the rain falling in torrents, and the monster battle- 
giant, the Army of the Potomac, or so much of it as had got in 



138 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

motion the day before, was floundering helplessly and hopelessly 
in a sea of mud. 

On the 23d the troops, artillery and baggage wagons, were 
slowly toiling through the mud back into camp, which they at 
length reached, and thus this mailed monster of war settled back 
in his lair. Had the weather been propitious Franklin and 
Hooker would have crossed the river and attacked the right flank 
of Lee's army, while Sumner's grand division would have crossed 
at Falmouth and attacked the enemy in the rear as Franklin and 
Hooker doubled him up. The general opinion of the army was 
that this movement would have been successful and opened the 
road to Richmond. 

On January 26th the order of General Burnside was read on 
dress parade, announcing the transfer, in pursuance of the order 
of President Lincoln, of the command of the Army of the Poto- 
mac to Major-General Hooker. It also read : 

"The short time he has directed your movements has not 
been fruitful of victory, nor any considerable advancement of 
our lines, but it has again demonstrated an amount of courage, 
patience and endurance that under more favorable circumstances 
would have accomplished great results/' He at the same time 
expressed especial regret at parting with the Ninth Corps, his 
old and tried command. 

General Burnside had been unfortunate in succeeding to 
the command of the Army of the Potomac at a time when 
it was honeycombed by political intrigue, and insubordina- 
tion was rife among its general officers. In his last movement he 
could not compete with the elements, and was obliged to yield to 
the inevitable. The impartial historian will, in the future, when 
the true history of the war is written, as it will be, cause the 
record to show a full and complete vindication of these unsuc- 
cessful campaigns of this much censured commander of the Army 
of the Potomac. 

President Lincoln, in his address to the Army of the Potomac 
after the battle of Fredericksburg, said: ''Although you were 
not successful, the attempt was not an error nor the failure an 
accident." 

The weather was at times exceedingly cold. Many of the men 
were frost-bitten, and one man in the Seventh Regiment got out 




Lieut. Arnold F. Salisbury. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 139 

upon the company street, during a very cold night and was 
found the next morning frozen to death. Very many of the men 
having only little shelter tents for protection, were forced to 
crawl into them in very cold or stormy weather and under cover 
of their blankets keep themselves as comfortable as possible. 
The men were buoyed up by the hope that these discomforts and 
sufferings could not last always. Just when the situation seemed 
the very darkest and most hopeless, deliverance was near at 
hand. On February 6th an order was received from headquar- 
ters for the Ninth Army Corps to move as soon as possible to 
Acquia Creek and report to General Dix at Fortress Monroe. 
Rumor had it that Burnside had been assigned to a new depart- 
ment, including North and South Carolina, and that the Twelfth, 
with the rest of the Ninth Corps were hound for Newbern or 
Hilton Head. 

About this time new rifles and equipments were received and 
distributed among the men under the direction of Lieutenant- 
Colonel Shaw. 

On the 8th of February the Ninth Corps was beginning to 
move on the way to Acquia Creek to take passage down the Po- 
tomac for Fortress Monroe. The Twelfth was the last regiment 
of the division to which it was attached to move, having received 
its orders at one p. m v February 9th. At three r. m. the regi- 
ment had broken camp and was off for the station, but not until 
seven p. m. were the men aboard the train, which was made up of 
box- freight cars which were crowded to their fullest capacity in- 
side and on top. The men inside were in mortal fear that the 
roofs which bent and creaked from the pressure of the great 
loads would collapse and crush them, and those on top were as 
fearful of being precipitated through the roofs. 

At Acquia Creek it was found that the long-expected schooner 
from Providence laden with supplies for the Rhode Island boys 
had just arrived. Mr. Manchester, the supercargo, was ordered 
to follow to Fortress Monroe and deliver to the Rhode [gland 
organizations of the Ninth Corps their share of the cargo, and 
then return and deliver the balance to the organizations remain- 
ing in the Army of the Potomac. Her consignment consisted of 
fruit and vegetables, which were thrice welcome after a long 
continued diet of hard-tack and salt meats. 



140 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

At ten p. m., of the 9th, the regiment embarked on board the 
steamers Metamora and Juniata, which swung into the stream 
and anchored over night. The next day, the 10th, the steamers 
were running down the Potomac headed for Fortress Monroe. 
After a pleasant but uneventful trip, the steamers rounded the 
fort and anchored inside, the Kip Raps laying off our stern quar- 
ters at four o'clock in the morning of the 11th. At nine a. m. it 
received orders to steam up to Newport News, which was the 
first knowledge the command had of its destination. It arrived 
at twelve noon of the 11th of February and the men disembarked, 
and that afternoon the camp was laid out and the men, although 
having only their shelter tents and blankets, made themselves 
as comfortable as possible in their new home, thankful that they 
had escaped from the disgusting ooze and mud of Falmouth. 

This was an ideal camping-ground on the shores of the mag- 
nificently broad expanse of the waters of Hampton Roads at the 
mouth of the James River. It is a broad plateau of light, sandy 
soil, standing well up from the water, landlocked from the north 
winds and having a mild temperature. In the balmy, bracing 
air and changed conditions, the deprivations and sufferings of 
"Camp Mud" became almost a forgotten memory. Here the men 
received their share of the schooner's cargo of fruits and vege- 
tables, which they very much enjoyed after their prolonged fast- 
ing. To these rations were now also added in generous supply 
the delicious oysters of these waters, which could be procured at 
a very small cost. Either oysters stewed, oysters fried, oysters 
roasted, or oysters as big as your hand, on the half shell, graced 
the daily bill of fare. "A" tents for the men and wall tents for 
officers were shortly supplied, and the camp through the thought- 
ful interest of Colonel Browne, soon took on an air both of com- 
fort and permanence. 

Colonel Browne took almost a fatherly interest in the welfare 
of his men. He was solicitous both of their health and personal 
comfort and endeared himself to all, both officers and men, by 
his watchful care of them. 

A correspondent of one of the Providence papers, writing from 
the regiment, said : 

"Colonel Browne continues to merit and receive the affection 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 141 

and respect of both officers and men, and could he know all the 
hearts of his regiment, he would have enough to cheer him in all 
his endeavors for our good." 

Under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw, company and 
battalion drill formed a considerable portion of the daily routine, 
in which both officers and men made rapid progress and profi- 
ciency. These duties, with brigade drill and picket service, kept the 
men busy most of the time. On February 25th the Ninth Corps wa * 
reviewed by General Dix, and General Smith commanding 
corps. Colonel Griffin, of the Ninth New Hampshire, acting 
brigadier-general, commanded the brigade to which the Twelfth 
was attached, with General Nagle in command of the division. 
There were in all from fifteen to eighteen thousand men, and 
fifty pieces of artillery in line by batteries, the infantry in line 
by battalion in mass. It was an impressively magnificent spec- 
tacle, as Generals Dix and Smith and their staffs came riding 
down the line, the brilliant retinue receiving an accession of the 
general and staff commanding each division as its front was 
passed, the bands playing "Hail to the Chief/' After the entire 
line had been passed, the reviewing generals and their staffs rode 
around to the rear taking their posts on the right. Then the 
great machine of blood and muscle changed direction by the left 
flank, and in column in mass marched in review. 

There had been considerable sickness among the men of the 
Twelfth since the battle of Fredericksburg, mainly typhoid fever. 
There were twelve deaths between January and the 25th of Feb- 
ruary. The wonder is, with the unsanitary conditions at Fal- 
mouth, the exposures and the character of the food and water. 
that the sickness and mortality were not much greater. 

On the 26th of February Sergeant Babcock, of New Shoreham, 
a member of Company D, died of typhoid fever, and another man 
was very low and not expected to survive. Three men in all died 
of typhoid fever at Newport News, contracted doubtless in the 
camp at Falmouth. There was little other sickness in the camp 
at Newport News aside from the measles. The regiment was 
credited with maintaining the best camp in the brigade, and offi- 
cers and men received many compliments from brigade and divi- 
sion inspectors. 



142 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

During Colonel Browne's absence in Washington on leave, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw being left in command, adopted a sys- 
tem of prizes, as rewards to men for cleanliness of clothing, 
equipments and muskets, and also to the best and second-best 
companies in the regiment measured by a like standard of neat- 
ness. The plan was at once fruitful in creating a spirit of emu- 
lation and rivalry among the men. Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw, in 
speaking of the results of this plan, said : "No men now dare to 
come on duty dirty, and I have about one hundred muskets that 
can't be beat by any command. I will have them all so." 

On the 13th of March a rumor reached camp, which proved 
true, that the Union forces at Suffolk had been attacked by the 
rebels. The Third Division, to which the Fourth Rhode Island 
Infantry was attached, was ordered to proceed at once to Suf- 
folk, which it did, and where it remained for some time. 

During the encampment at Newport News, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Shaw procured and caused to be distributed among the com- 
panies a number of foot-balls and checker-boards for the recrea- 
tion of the men, which were much appreciated, and which served 
to break the somewhat dreary monotony of camp life. On the 
13th of March swords were presented to both Capt. William H. 
Hubbard and Lieut. Francisco M. Ballou, of Company F. 

After more than a month spent in this delightful camp, during 
which time the men of the entire army corps recuperated both 
their spirits and energies, the order came to the regiment on the 
17th of March to be ready to move at a moment's notice with two 
days' cooked rations in haversacks. It was rumored through 
the camp that the Union forces on the Blackwater in Suffolk, 
Va., had met with a reverse, and that the division to which the 
Twelfth was attached was to be sent to re-enforce them. The 
next day, however, the order of yesterda}' to prepare rations was 
countermanded and nothing more was heard about Suffolk or the 
Blackwater. 

On the 21st, however, the command again received orders to 
move with five days' rations as soon as transports should arrive, 
but no information was communicated as to its destination. In- 
formation having been received in the meantime, however, that 
Burnside had been assigned to the command of the Department 
of the Ohio, the men guessed, and quite rightly, too, that the 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 143 

Ninth Corps was to go to that department. On the 25th, at six 
p. m., the order came to strike tents, and, in a few moments, the 
debris of our camp, which had been gathered together and util- 
ized to make the quarters of officers and men comfortable, was 
piled up and fired and great tongues of flame were lighting up 
the heavens, and the men, with three hearty cheers, turned their 
backs with just a sigh of regret upon the charred and blackened 
remnants of the camp. The regiment, together with baggage 
and horses, except one company, B, which was embarked on the 
steamer »S' wan with the Seventh Rhode Island Infantry, were 
placed on board the steamer Long Island. The steamers got 
under way at about two o'clock in the morning and ran up Chesa- 
peake Bay, arriving at Baltimore at 7.30 o'clock r. m. of the same 
day. There being no cars ready to receive the men. they were 
held on board till the next morning, the 27th. The regiment was 
marched across the city to the station of the Northern Central 
Railroad, where the men stacked arms to await the train that 
was to take them over the mountains to Cincinnati, to report to 
General Burnside, whose headquarters were at the Burnett 
House. Now the soldier is an exceedingly social individual, if 
he is a fighting man, and he at once sought the society of such 
persons living in the immediate neighborhood as were disposed 
to dispense hospitality for a consideration, with the result that 
the social natures of very many of the boys had become somewhat 
overwrought before the cars arrived to receive them. They 
were, however, a very amiable body of men, although their lan- 
guage was more expressive and forceful than polite. Everybody 
kept good-natured, and, by 12.30 p. m., all were on board and off 
for their far away destination. 

The route lay over the Pennsylvania Railroad by way of Har- 
risburg, Altoona, and Pittsburg. With the exception of a dis- 
abled engine at Cockeysville, seventeen miles out of Baltimore, 
there were no accidents. The ride over the Alleghanies was an 
enjoyable diversion for all who had not enjoyed the privilege of 
seeing mountain scenery. The engineering features of the road 
winding up and down the mountain side, together with the fa- 
mous horse-shoe loop, were, in those days, a wonderful exhibition 
of engineering skill, but in these later days of advanced engineer- 
ing art this piece of construction attracts but little attention, al- 



144 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

though the scenic features of these mountains will ever remain 
picturesquely beautiful and grand to look upon. The regiment 
reached Pittsburg at 11.30 o'clock p. m v March 29th, and officers 
and men upon their arrival were met by representatives of the 
citizens of the town and invited to a collation at the City Hall, 
a courtesy extended to all the troops passing through their city. 
It was a pretty late hour for dinner, but all were hungry and did 
ample justice to the bountiful supply of good things placed be- 
fore them, not forgetting to express appreciative acknowledg- 
ment of the patriotic hospitality of Pittsburg's loyal men and 
women. The men were marched back to the station, but no train 
being ready to receive them, and. although it was extremely cold, 
the men wrapped themselves in their blankets and laid down in 
the station and outside on the platform, and, wearied by the long 
journey and loss of sleep, were soon in the land of dreams; but 
they were up and off early in the morning. Company A, Capt. 
Christopher H. Alexander and a part of Company C in charge of 
Lieut. Daniel R. Ballon, were left behind for want of transporta- 
tion, to come on later with their commands and the stragglers. 
The regiment arrived in Cincinnati at about eight o'clock p. m. 
March 30th, being received with demonstrations of applause by 
the populance, who crowded the streets through which it passed. 
The men were furnished with a good supper, after which, headed 
by the brigade band, they marched through the streets receiving 
an ovation from the vast crowds of men, women and children 
who crowded the sidewalks. When it passed the headquarters 
of Burnside, the men gave three times three rousing cheers for 
their, old commander and continued on to the river, which was 
crossed on ferryboats over to Covington on the Kentucky side. 
No cars being ready for its transportation, the men camped in 
the station until morning. At eleven o'clock the next morning, 
April 1st, Company A and part of Company C, together with the 
stragglers left behind at Pittsburg, having arrived, the men 
boarded the cars for Lexington, where they arrived at 9.15 that 
morning, remaining over night in the train. The next morning 
the regiment was marched through the town out to the Fair 
Grounds about a mile distant. Camp was located, the men put 
up their shelter tents, and, in short order, things took on a com- 
fortable and homelike appearance. The weather was damp and 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 145 

cold and very many bad contracted colds from which they were 
suffering more or less. 

Ashland, the home of Henry Clay, could be seen through the 
trees a quarter of a mile away, and, looming above the buildings 
of the town, in the cemetery beyond, his statue, surmounting a 
noble shaft of Kentucky marble. The regiment enjoyed a rest of 
nearly a week in this delightful camp. 

On April 6th the command received orders to move the next 
day to Winchester, about twenty-two miles distant, which took 
us through a portion of the famous ''Blue Grass*' region. At 
about nine o'clock the next morning the regiment swung out of 
camp on what proved to be a very exhausting march. The way 
led over a macadam road. It was a warm day and before the 
first spurt was over nearly every man had blistered feet, and 
some of them were raw and bleeding. When the colonel and 
staff reached Winchester there was scarcely a corporal's guard in 
the column. The men came straggling in all through the night, 
and some did not reach camp until the next morning. It was 
cruel to push men who had done no marching for five months, to 
do in one day what could just as well have been done in two. It 
was a beautiful country through which the regiment marched ; 
one literally flowing with milk and honey. The men lived on the 
fat of the land while here. These Kentucky farmers were good 
livers and the cooking was excellent. There were some good 
Union men about here and some secesh. The colonel and stall' 
boarded with one of the latter, who had two sons in the rebel 
army. He did not say much himself but fed his boarders roy- 
ally. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw, as brigade officer of the day, estah 
lished picket lines while in camp here. Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw 
evinced a soldierly instinct as well as interest in all that apper- 
tained to the practical duties of the service. He had won the 
respect and confidence of men and officers, both as a disciplinarian 
and a good friend of the men. 

A correspondent of the regiment wrote from Newport News to 
the Providence Press concerning him as follows: 

"Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw has taken the boys by storm, and 
even now, although but a short time with us, is beloved by all, 

10 



146 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

and he may well have an honest pride, while we rejoice in the 
fact that we have about as good a lieutenant-colonel as can be 
found." 

On the afternoon of April 17th, while the regiment was on bat- 
talion drill, the order came to move with three days' rations and 
no baggage. Promptly at six p. m. the regiment had struck tents 
and were ready to move. This promptness secured it the right 
of the line, and, pursuant to orders, the column filed out into 
the road and swung along the Boonsboro pike en route for Rich- 
mond beyond the Kentucky River, and, at about 8.45 o'clock p. m.. 
went into camp about one-half mile from the river. The officers 
and men wrapped themselves in their blankets and lay down be- 
neath the warm April sky to pleasant dreams of home and loved 
ones. At five o'clock in the morning reveille was sounded, and, 
after roll call, fires were started, coffee was made, breakfast 
eaten, and the column was reported ready to move. Here a de- 
tachment of cavalry and a battery passed on the way to cross the 
river. At eleven a. m. the command received orders to move to 
the river and cross the ferry over to Boonsboro, the scene of 
Boone's famous race with the Indians and his jump into the 
river. The approach to the river is wild and picturesque. The 
river lay at the foot of a precipitous wooded bluff, which con- 
veyed the impression of a mountain gorge. The road zigzagged 
down to the river's bank. The other side was rolling land, the 
ascent from the river being quite slight. The crossing was slow 
and tedious, there being but two small scows to take the men 
and horses across. It took two and a half hours to cross. After 
crossing the column again formed and moved to the Lexington 
and Richmond pike, and thence two miles towards Richmond 
and again bivouacked for the night. The next morning, the 18th, 
the column again moved and went into camp at eleven o'clock 
a. m. in a beautiful grove about one and one-half miles from 
Richmond. The country through which we passed was a fine 
farming land. The fields were green, the peach-trees were 
putting forth their blossoms, and the weather June-like. It was 
reported from headquarters that there was no enemy this side of 
Cumberland Gap. Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw was ordered to re- 
port at headquarters as field officer of the day, and was ordered, 
although no enemy was present, to post pickets, which he did. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 147 

The inspector-general of the brigade commenced a tour of inspec- 
tion here and the lieutenant-colonel as judge accompanied him. 
Upon inspection of the Twelfth the inspecting officer paid the 
command a high compliment, saving : "If the rest of the brigade 
looked anywhere near as well as the Twelfth, I should be very 
well satisfied." Chaplain Field, who was left behind at Win- 
chester, ill, joined us at Richmond fully restored to health. 

On May 2d Colonel Browne brought from division headquar- 
ters an order from General Sturgis to move the next morning, 
Sunday, to Paint Lick Creek, about twelve miles southwest from 
Richmond. It was said that we should soon get out of this beau- 
tiful land into a rougher country. 

General Nagle resigned while here by reason of heart trouble, 
and Colonel Griffin, of the Sixth Xew Hampshire, an accom- 
plished and brave volunteer officer, was appointed in his place. 
The only black mark set down against him was the forced march 
he gave the boys from Lexington to Winchester. 

On Saturday evening at brigade dress parade about a dozen 
ambulances filled with the representatives of Richmond's four 
hundred or less, were driven up and alighted in front of the color 
line opposite the band and witnessed the parade. After the pa- 
rade was dismissed the officers were summoned and introduced 
to the ladies, and then, accompanied by the ladies, all repaired 
to the general's headquarters, where refreshments were dis- 
pensed. Invitations were extended by the ladies to those so 
fortunate as to be introduced, to attend a hop in the evening to 
be given by the ladies of Richmond. It was a very delightful 
function. The officers made many very pleasant acquaintances 
and found the ladies intelligent, refined, and beautiful ; many of 
them well educated, having traveled extensively in foreign lands. 

The next morning, Sunday, May 3d, the command moved out 
of camp at about eight o'clock in a rainstorm, and marched 
through the town receiving the good-byes of the lady acquaint- 
ances of the evening before, who had assembled at the gates of 
their homes to see their soldier friends off. The rain consider- 
ately held up during this very pleasurable demonstration. The 
men, contrary to what the people had been led to expect from 
the Yankee soldiers, had been so orderly and well-behaved that 
they had won the respect and confidence of the people, and there 



148 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

was a general expression of regret at their departure. The men 
were delighted with the country, and the young officers were evi- 
dently in love with the girls and the older ones were not un- 
moved. Many of them as they marched away wore in their lapels 
violets or lilies of the valley. As the column left the town the 
rain began to fall again and continued to pour in heavy showers, 
with intermittent glimpses of sun, until the regiment reached its 
destination about two o'clock p. m. As the regiment left Rich- 
mond the country grew more rugged and heavily wooded. The 
scenery was picturesque, with here and there a farmhouse nes- 
tled among fruit trees, and fine looking cattle feeding in the 
meadows; and, in the background of the picture, at a distance, 
the Cumberland range of mountains. The brigade was accom- 
panied by Durell's battery of Pennsylvania artillery, and a Ken 
tucky cavalry regiment. A camp was again established in a 
pleasant spot, but endeavors to settle down to duty didn't seem 
to succeed as usual. Young officers, and old married ones, had 
a far-away look in their eyes, ''sighed like a furnace," as Shake- 
speare has it, and didn't seem happy. The next evening at dress 
parade all the ladies in the vicinity came over to see the show. 
One old married officer, it was said, "hitched on to a sunbonnet 
with a pair of bright eyes and rosy lips underneath it and walked 
over to headquarters, while another gay old deceiver attached 
himself to a slick-riding habit, and cavorted off in the direction 
of the inviting shade of a neighboring tree." On the following 
morning the spirits of those gay cavaliers who had won favor in 
the eyes of Richmond's fair daughters were greatly revived by 
their appearance in camp, bringing with them loads of dainties 
and substantials for a picnic. All had a jolly day of it dancing, 
chatting and eating until the declining sun admonished the 
charming visitors that they must return. When they started for 
home they accepted the escort of a number of officers, who took 
seats in the carriages, leading their horses with which to return 
to camp, but who did not return till a late hour in the evening. 
It is related of one graceless fellow that, writing home to his 
confiding wife an account of the affair, said : "It is quite pleas- 
ant to see a lady's face once more; even my wife's would be bet- 
ter than none." 







Capt. C. Henry Alexander. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 149 

On the 6th and 7th the regiment experienced the discomfort 
of an old-fashioned northeast rainstorm. It was cold and un 
comfortable, and the men cooped up in their shelter tents or hud 
dling around the cook's fire to keep warm, had many ;i thought 
of home and its comforts. 

The Second Brigade of the division joined the First Brigade, 
to which the Twelfth was attached, on the 10th of May at Paint 
Lick Creek. 

On Sunday morning. May the 11th, orders were received to 
proceed to Lancaster, and at eight o'clock both brigades broke 
camp and set out for their destination, about twelve miles dis 
taut, which they reached at about two o'clock in the afternoon, 
and went into camp. On the way a dispatch reached the com- 
mand that General Dix had taken Richmond and that the Stars 
and Stripes were floating over the rebel capital. The regimen! 
went into cam]) on elevated ground overlooking a picturesque 
country for twenty miles around. Soon after another dispatch 
came, confirming the capture of Richmond, which news excited 
demonstrations of great enthusiasm and joy. 

Thus it was that rumors of defeats and victories were fre- 
quently reaching the army in the field to encourage or dispirit 
them for the moment. Soldiers learned at length to place but 
little confidence in these rumors unless officially confirmed. The 
court-martial, of which Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw had been a 
member since the regiment reached Kentucky, was dissolved 
at this place, but almost immediately an order was issued 
from headquarters appointing him on another. Lieutenant 
Colonel Shaw had served in this capacity almost continuously 
since he joined the regiment near Falmouth, Ya. Colonel 
Browne suffered an attack of bilious fever at this camp, and 
Major Dyer was laid up some days by an abscess. Neither was 
seriously ill, and both seemed likely to be out soon. The ra- 
tions had been, while on the marches, mainly hard tack and 
salt pork, but eggs, chickens and turkeys were procurable at 
quite reasonable prices by those who were fortunate enough to 
have any greenbacks. Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw, while out with 
the regiment at this camp on battalion drill, had a very narrow 
escape from a serious injury, lie was mounted on Major Dyer's 
horse, his own being lame, and had just given a command to the 



150 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

regiment when the horse, without any warning whatever, reared, 
turned slightly and fell over backward upon the colonel. For- 
tunately the horse twisted a little in falling and the colonel 
caught the weight of the blow on his left leg and arm. Happily 
no bones were broken, although his leg and arm were badly con- 
tused, but from which, with careful treatment, he recovered in 
a few days. On Friday evening, the 21st, orders were again read 
to move the next morning at 6.30 o'clock. Reveille was sounded 
at about 4.30 o'clock the next morning, and, at the appointed 
time, the column filed out of camp and started on its march. The 
command halted within about two miles of Crab Orchard 
Springs and thirteen miles from Lancaster, and went into camp. 

On the 25th the regiment moved about one mile beyond the 
town to support Romer's New York Battery, the Second Brigade, 
to which it was attached, having moved on to Stanford. The 
Twelfth was now encamped at the forks of the road leading to 
Somerset and Mount Vernon. The Seventh Rhode Island were 
just in its rear; the Sixth New Hampshire near our last camp on 
the other side of the town, and the Ninth New Hampshire was 
still at Lancaster, having been ordered to remain in consequence 
of a smallpox case, until it could be determined as to whether 
other cases might follow. The Forty-eighth Pennsylvania was 
at Lexington, where they had been since the corps arrived in 
Kentucky. 

Yesterday, the 26th, the Union forces drove back the rebels at 
Mile Creek, where they attempted to cross. On the 27th the 
rebels were heard of as far up as Liberty. The regiment was 
then ordered to be ready to go to the support of the Second Brig- 
ade at Stanford, but the story proved to be false, and the order 
was thereupon countermanded. 

It now began to look as if the Twelfth might before long have 
an opportunity of paying its compliments to the enemy. Owing, 
however, to the frequent movements from point to point, both 
the officers and men became quite indifferent as to when or where 
they were ordered to go, and there was little guessing as to where 
the command would be ordered next. 

Major Dyer, who had been laid up in the hospital at Lancaster 
in consequence of a painful abscess, resumed duty too soon on 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 151 

the march to Crab Orchard. He insisted on riding his horse 
against the advice of Colonel Browne, and, in so doing, greatly 
aggravated his malady. He was incapacitated to continue on 
duty and entered the hospital, and was finally sent on to the 
hospital in Lexington, where he remained to the end of the regi- 
ment's enlistment, his ailment having developed into a fistula. 
Colonel Browne, when the regiment reached Crab Orchard 
had quite recovered from his ailment. On the evening of the 
24th, Captain Longstreet, of Company B, received information 
of the death of his wife, which was a terrible blow to him. This 
news cast a gloom over the entire regiment, as he was an officer 
who was very much respected by both officers and men and very 
much beloved by his company. Crab Orchard Springs was for- 
merly a fashionable watering-place. The waters of the springs 
are impregnated with sulphur, iron, and salt, and are clear and 
cold. 

The Fifty-first New York was detached here from the Second 
Brigade of the division and sent to Stanford, and the balance 
moved their camp to the other side of the town. Whither the 
regiment would next move depended upon the movements of the 
enemy on the other side of the Cumberland River in Tennessee. 
Good news was then coming from General Grant in his siege of 
Vicksburg, and the question with the command was whether the 
enemy in our front would risk a raid into Kentucky, or go to the 
assistance of Bragg anticipating the fall of Vicksburg. 

On the 30th of May Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw went to Stan- 
ford to sit on the court-martial, and, on the 3d of June, while he 
was absent, the entire division under General Sturgis received 
orders to move with eight days' rations and with limited baggage. 
The court-martial was relieved on the 3d, and officers were noti- 
fied that the brigade at Crab Orchard would move the next morn- 
ing. Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw reached Lancaster the next morn- 
ing, the 4th, about nine o'clock. Colonel Browne came up soon after 
and reported the brigade resting about a mile back. The entire 
division had been ordered back to Lexington. The paymaster 
appeared at Lancaster, much to the relief as well us delight of 
officers and men, who were getting pretty hard up. 

The regiment reached Camp Dick Robinson that evening after 



152 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

a march of about twenty-two miles, and halted for the night. 
The weather was exceedingly hot and the men being in heavy 
marching order, suffered greatly. The next morning, the 5th, 
the command broke camp and advanced to Hickman's Bridge, 
over the Kentucky River, and crossing moved on towards Mck- 
olasville. The heat was increasing and the roads were very 
dusty. The general found that the men were getting exhausted 
and could march no longer and maintain the integrity of the col 
umn. The Seventh Rhode Island filed into a lot where the pay- 
master joined them and commenced to pay the men. The 
Twelfth moved on a few rods looking for a favorable place to 
rest until towards evening, before a further advance. It had 
moved along but a few rods when an orderly rode up with an 
order for the Twelfth Rhode Island to return to Hickman's 
Bridge. But the men were too fatigued and overcome by the 
great heat to return then, and filed into a grove in rear of the 
Seventh and pitched their tents. This order severed the connec- 
tion of the Twelfth with both the brigade and division. Both 
officers and men parted with much regret from the organizations 
in the division, having made very many pleasant acquaintances 
with the men composing them. 

General Sturgis, lately in command of the division, was placed 
in command of the Department of Central Kentucky, and, at 
about four r. m., on the 5th of June, the Twelfth was ordered to 
report to General Carter at Somerset. The next morning the 
regiment started on a movement back through Lancaster to 
Stanford, and from thence to Somerset near the Cumberland 
River, a distance of sixty-three miles. The regiment had cov- 
ered thirty-five miles during the past two days, the 4th and 5th 
of June. The rest of the division had gone, as rumor had it, to 
Yicksburg, which was afterwards verified. The Seventh Rhode 
Island joined General Grant's army before Vicksburg and par- 
ticipated in the memorable siege which resulted in the surrender 
of that stronghold on the following 4th of July. 

The Twelfth reached Camp Dick Robinson at sunset on the 
6th of June, and went into camp for the night. The heat was 
excessive and the dust almost suffocating on the march here. 
We met Battery D here in command of Capt. William B. Rhodes 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 153 

on theii* way to join the division on its way to Yicksburg, but at 
Lexington it was detached and ordered to return to Hickman's 
Bridge. 

The next morning, Sunday, the 7th, the regiment set out on its 
inarch and passed through Lancaster at about nine a. m., and 
reached Dick River about eleven o'clock a. m., and went into 
camp for the day. Moved the next morning at live o'clock and 
halted for dinner on the top of the mountain in Hall's Gap, in- 
tending to remain here until three o'clock p. m. and then advance 
about five miles and go into camp for the night. But at about 
two p. m. an orderly rode up with a dispatch, saying that the 
rebels had crossed the river and were in force at Liberty, some 
ten miles distant, and with orders for the regiment to go for- 
ward to the support of Crawford's battery of East Tennessee, 
stationed at Waynesboro. The men were hastily formed into 
line and moved out on the march to the above named place. It 
reached its destination, having covered a distance of twenty-two 
miles, and went into camp near the above mentioned battery. 
Pickets were thrown out and everything put in readiness to fall 
in at a moment's notice. 

On the next morning of Tuesday, the 9th, the regiment moved 
at about six o'clock with the battery in advance. The command 
halted for dinner at a farmhouse after a march of about nine 
miles. The houses in the mountain section were rudely con- 
structed of logs and mud and contained the most primitive fur- 
nishings. The women all chewed tobacco, dipped and smoked 
pipes, and babies at every farmhouse were almost as abundant 
as chickens. The doctor relates that he saw live persons riding 
one horse; the mother, one before, one behind, one at her breast, 
and one in embryo. The country where the Union forces were 
now operating was rug : '1 and the forests dense and of heavy 
growth. The roads wore corduroy, which were maintained by 
the government, and over which all supplies were hauled I'm- the 
army. 

At three p. m. the column moved again, and about eighl p. M. 
reached camp at Somerset. Every man answered roll call when 
the regiment halted after inarching one hundred miles in six 
days. The officers reported at once to General Carter, telling 



154 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

him how far the regiment had marched. Captain Crawford, a 
West Pointer and in command of the East Tennessee battery 
which the Twelfth had been ordered to support, paid the regi- 
ment a very flattering compliment by adding. "Yes, and better 
marching I never saw, they keep all together, no straggling." 
The regiment was moved the next morning to the other side of 
the town, where a camp was established. The report of the reb- 
els at Liberty proved to be an exaggeration. The rebels, how- 
ever, were active in this section and some fighting was going on 
every day. Yesterday, the 9th, the Union forces drove their 
pickets eight miles beyond Monticello. The men were in good 
health, not a sick man in the command, but many were very foot- 
sore. 

On the 18th of June the regiment received marching orders 
with ten days' rations, and to be ready to move the next morning, 
the 19th, but not to strike tents till further notice. Weather 
was extremely hot, but relief came in a thunderstorm. The reb- 
els were in front of us and it looked as though we were now go- 
ing to have some hot work. 

On the 20th, at eleven o'clock a. m., received orders to move 
to Stigalls Ferry, on the Cumberland River, six miles distant. 
Several commands had gone that way early in the day and were 
last heard from beyond Monticello. We were now receiving con- 
flicting rumors of the presence of the enemy. Received orders 
here at Stigalls Ferry at about nine o'clock a. m.. June 21st. or- 
dering return of regiment to Somerset. At 10.30 o'clock a. m. 
the regiment was moving towards its destination, arriving at 
1.30 p. m. At 3.30 p. m. the regiment was moving towards James- 
town, whither it had been ordered, thirty-five miles distant. A 
battalion of the Thirty-second Kentucky Infantry was placed 
under command of Colonel Browne, which accompanied the regi- 
ment. The command reached Jamestown about noon of June 
21th and camped near the town. A cold northeast rainstorm 
overtook the regiment here. Aside from the discomfort of the 
heavy rain, which continued for about ten days, the temperature 
was quite refreshing after the past two weeks and more of in- 
tense heat. The march from Somerset to Jamestown was 
through the woods, with here and there a clearing and a roughly 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 155 

built log hut. generally containing but one room, which served as 
bedroom, living room, and kitchen, for families of man and wife 
and half a dozen or more children. Razor-backed, sharp-snouted 
pigs ran wild in the woods. Big snakes ran across the road, now 
and then, as the column marched along. Many of them were 
killed by the men, and among them was one rattlesnake about 
four feet in length and having fourteen rattles. The natives, 
when asked concerning the state of the roads further on, would 
invariably say: "Right smart good roads for wagons." Such 
abominable roads man never saw. They were well-nigh im- 
passable on horseback. Sometimes the officers had to dismount 
and lead their horses down or up the steep inclines, as a misstep 
would have thrown them down precipices two hundred feet deep. 
The pioneer corps preceded the teams and did what they could 
to help them along. The quartermaster of the regiment, on be- 
ing asked afterwards how he got along, said : "Oh, I borrowed 
a ladder for the mules to climb up on, and they pulled the wag- 
ons up after them." The wagons were overturned a number of 
times and were several times unloaded and the freight was car- 
ried by the men to the tops of the hills and loaded again. The 
boys got quite used to this rough experience. Yesterday, Mon- 
day, the 23d, the men having marched twenty miles were heard 
to say as they went into camp, that they hadn't got much to do 
to-morrow, only ten miles more. They called this campaign, 
"The expedition for the survey of Kentucky."' 

The end of the term of enlistment was now fast approaching, 
and the regiment was a hundred miles away from any railroad 
over which it could be transported on its way home. The latest 
joke among the men was that "Burnside, having lost the run of 
the Twelfth in its wanderings up and down the state, had sent 
out a dozen mounted scouts to hunt them up, but that the trot- 
ters had four days the start and the scouts could not catch up.'' 

The rainstorm continued until the morning of the 28th of June, 
when it cleared up again. The little army was this morning re- 
enforced by Colonel Wolford's regiment, the First Kentucky Cav- 
alry, so that the men felt quite equal to any emergency (hat 
might arise. Without cavalry Morgan's guerillas could raid 
all round the command, and nothing could be done unless they 



156 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

made a. direct attack. Now our troops were all right for attack 
or defence. The rivers and creeks were so swollen from the re- 
cent heavy rains, that they were quite impassable; but in a few 
days they were again in normal condition for the passage of 
troops at the fords. 

Wolford's cavalry was a unique body of men, characteristic of 
this Western country, bold, independent and intrepid, and hav 
ing so little regard for the regulation tactics, that a few com- 
mands of their own . invention answered every purpose in the 
nature of their service in this border warfare. They were ubi- 
quitous in their movements and ever on the alert. Many anec- 
dotes were current of their eccentricities, enterprise, and cour- 
age. They knew every road, mountain trail, and path in the 
country. They would go home when they liked, but were al- 
ways around when there was a fight. It was said that Colonel 
Wolford, being in Washington, met two of his men on the street 
and said, "Hello, boys! what are you doing here?" To which 
they replied, ''Out on a bit of a scout, colonel." The colonel had 
but two commands in manoeuvering his regiment, namely: 
"Scatter out and huddle up !" and "Go up there, boys, and clean 
them out!'' "And," as they say, "the rebels have to get up and 
git." 

Colonel Wolford, commander of the First Kentucky Cavalry, 
was a man of unique individuality, but a natural product of the 
characteristic social conditions of the rural sections of the 
state in which he was born and reared. Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw 
thus describes Colonel Wolford in a letter to his wife from James- 
town : "Colonel Wolford, of the First Kentucky Cavalry, shares my 
bed at the hotel. He is quite a stout man ; wears one of his shoulder 
straps upside down. He sits here on the bed spitting on the 
carpet in Western style. He is an able lawyer and a very smart 
man. He don't believe in red tape, and won't submit to it. He 
never drinks a drop. It is said of him that he used to drive up 
to the Court House in an ox team, go in before the court and 
argue a difficult case, and when the hearing was concluded get 
on his team and drive home. He is also an entertaining man 
and possessed of much humor." 

The force at this place was further re enforced on the after- 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 157 

noon of the 28th by the arrival of the Second Ohio Cavalry, the 
Seventh Ohio Infantry and a light battery. These furnished ns 
troops sufficient to clean out any rebel force in this country. 

On the 29th the mail containing letters of the men was cap- 
tured by the rebels. On that day, about four p. .\r., The rebels 
made a demonstration on the Columbia road, about two and a 
half miles from camp. The rebels were in force at Berksville, 
Creel sborough and Columbia about five thousand strong. Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Shaw was talking with Colonel Wolford on the 
tavern steps, when one of the outer pickets dashed up saying, 
''Our pickets have been attacked and want re-enforcements," and 
that the enemy were advancing on the Columbia road two and a 
half miles distant. Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw hastened to cam]) 
and reported to Colonel Browne. The long roll was sounded, and 
in five minutes the men were in line ready to move. The cavalry 
seemed to rise up from every bush and the artillery was thunder- 
ing along the road towards the enemy. The men of the Twelfth 
were in high spirits; even the sick ones seized their guns and fell 
into the ranks. But two men of the entire regiment were absent. 

The attacking force did not prove to be large and Captain Wol- 
ford, a brother of the colonel, met them and captured six or 
seven, killed one and routed the rest. Colonel Wolford expected 
the entire rebel force would move down upon us over several 
roads. The regiment was under arms for three or four hours, 
until the affair quieted down, and then broke ranks and turned 
in for the night. Had the rebels made an attack upon us before 
Wolford's cavalry arrived, the boys might now have suffered the 
misfortune of frogging it down in Dixie. 

Soon after the arrival of the regiment at Jamestown, being 
short of rations, the quartermaster started for Columbia with a 
wagon train for supplies, but, on arriving there, found none and 
crossed Green River and went on to Lebanon, where he obtained 
them and started back. He recrossed the river, and, when within 
four miles of Columbia, he heard that there was a rebel force 
there and immediately turned the train round and recrossed the 
river. The next morning the bridge over the river was for- 
tunately carried away, which insured his immediate safely. 
When the quartermaster left camp with his wagon train it rained 



158 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

and continued to rain for seven days and nights, so that the 
streams became badly swollen. Constant skirmishing was going 
on between the Union cavalry and the enemy. A guard was 
sent to the quartermaster with orders for him to come in by way 
of Neatsville. 

On the 3d the pickets were fired upon by a small force of reb- 
els which went off towards Neativille. Soon after a dispatch 
was received from the supply train saying : "Attacked by a su- 
perior force, send re-enforcements." Two hundred men of Wol 
ford's cavalry were dispatched at once, one hundred to Neats- 
ville, and one hundred to Columbia. The force sent to Columbia 
was attacked by superior numbers and had a captain mortally 
wounded and one other man badly wounded, but managed to 
hold its ground. Several of the enemy were killed and some 
prisoners were taken. The guard of twenty-eight men with the 
train, whipped sixty-five rebs, took several prisoners and wounded 
two. The train got into camp all right last night, July 3d. 

This morning, the 4th, the cavalry sent to Columbia returned. 
Two brigades of the enemy have passed through that place to 
Lebanon. They numbered between three and four thousand 
men. The enemy's command were all cavalry, and there was lit- 
tle that infantry could do, except in case of an attack. As they 
moved rapidly from point to point, unless there was cavalry in 
sufficient numbers to hold them in check or drive them back across 
the Cumberland River, there was danger of their raiding the rich 
blue grass country, and even of extending their raid across the 
Ohio and capturing Cincinnati. In fact, the people in those sec- 
tions were much disturbed as Lee's army, which was already 
fighting the great battle of the war on Pennsylvania soil, had 
lately been marching through the fertile fields of that state to 
the great concern, if not terror, of the country and of the gov- 
ernment at Washington. Orders for our return home had been 
received some days before, but the situation of affairs was such 
that the order had been countermanded. It had been intended 
to celebrate the 4th of July at Jamestown, but, at an early hour 
on the morning of that day, Captain Spink, of Company I, ap- 
peared at headquarters and reported that Colonel Wolford had 
just informed him that Morgan was crossing at Creelsborough, 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 159 

Creassy Creek aud Columbia. The lieutenant-colonel being in 
command in consequence of tbe illness of Colonel Browne, who 
was confined to his tent from an attack of dysentery, immedi 
ately took steps to be in readiness for an order to move, by call- 
ing the captains together for the purpose of notifying them of 
the situation, and to direct them to arouse the cooks and cause 
coffee to be prepared for the men, and then get them up as speed- 
ily as possible, so that they might go into action with full stom- 
achs. As it is said that the way to a man's best nature is 
through his stomach, so it may be said that the best stimulant to 
a soldier's fighting qualities is through a well-filled one. 

Before, however, the captains could be assembled, four artil- 
lery shots suddenly burst forth in quick succession near the 
camp, breaking upon our startled senses in the stillness of the 
early morning like crashes of thunder. 

The order of: ''Fall in!" was hurriedly given in the certain 
belief that the enemy was upon us. Almost instantly the men 
sprang into line, many turning out of sick beds, but, almost in 
the same breath, it was discovered, to the infinite disgust of offi- 
cers and men, that our comrades of the First Kentucky Cavalry 
were firing a Fourth of July salute. 

In the meantime Colonel Wolford had learned, through his 
scout, that Morgan had gone around us. He therefore with all 
speed started after him, after having directed the infantry of 
his command (the Twelfth Rhode Island and Thirty-second Ken- 
tucky) to remain until further orders, saying: "It is useless 
for infantry to chase cavalry." 

On the morning of the 5th the regiment was ordered to return 
to Somerset, and immediately struck camp and moved at 9.30 
o'clock a. m. The day was excessively hot, with a violent thun- 
derstorm in the afternoon. The regiment halted at about eight 
o'clock in the evening for the night. It had rained in torrents 
and left the road in bad condition. The wagon train was far back 
in the rear. Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw, accompanied by the boss 
teamer, rode back to find them. It was so dark that they could 
not see the horses they rode. The teamer announced, as they 
were groping along in this impenetrable darkness, that he smelled 
rattlesnakes. It was not an assuring announcement in view of 



160 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

the imminent possibility at least, of being thrown from the 
horses among a large assortment of these venomous reptiles. 
The teams were at length found about seven miles in the rear, 
stuck in the mud up to the hubs of the wheels. No guard could 
be found. A company of the Thirtj'-second Kentucky Infantry 
had been detailed as guard and when found later were all fast 
asleep. It was now eleven o'clock in the evening and Lieutenant- 
Colonel Shaw crawled into one of the teams and went to sleep. He 
remained there until about three in the morning, and then routed 
the men out, got them started, and then returned to the regi- 
ment, which moved at nine o'clock that morning. It halted for 
dinner at eleven and waited for the wagon train to come up. The 
regiment had twenty-two rebel prisoners, among them one Cap- 
tain Morgan reported captured at Green River. 

The regiment started the next morning, the 6th, and reached 
Fishing Creek at about one o'clock p. m., four miles from Somer- 
set, where it arrived at about five o'clock in the evening. Col- 
onel Browne had gone on ahead of the column, and, on its ar- 
rival, formed it on the old campground and announced to the 
men the glorious news of the surrender to Grant of Vicksburg, 
the defeat of Lee at Gettysburg, and the defeat of Morgan in all 
his attempts to raid Kentucky and his probable capture before 
he could get out of the state. This news, with the further in- 
formation that the regiment was to start for home on the day af- 
ter to-morrow, evoked cheer after cheer, which made the old 
woods ring. 

The next day was spent in clearing up and getting the teams 
ready for the homeward march. 

At about five o'clock in the morning of the 8th of July, the 
regiment moved from Somerset on its march to Nicholasville, ad- 
vanced about five miles and went into camp for the night. The 
next morning it started at five o'clock and marched twenty-three 
miles to Crab Orchard and camped on the old ground recently 
occupied by the Seventh Rhode Island. The next morning it ad- 
vanced to one mile beyond Stanford, and there placed the men 
on an empty wagon train of sixty-three teams returning to Hick- 
man's Bridge, which brought them through to Dick River, where 
the regiment went into camp for the night. That night at about 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 161 

ten o'clock, a dispatch reached the regiment from Lancaster that 
the rebels were at Crab Orchard in force. The command had re- 
ceived, during the past months, so many false reports of the pres- 
ence of the enemy, that this information made but little impres- 
sion, although pickets were thrown out, after which the men and 
officers not on duty, turned in and slept peacefully, dreaming 
only of home and dear ones, by whom they were soon to be 
greeted. 

The regiment on the next morning again broke camp and 
started off, the men jubilant that this was the last march in the 
heat and dust of "way down in Old Kentucky." 

Nicholasville, the railroad terminus where the men were to take 
the cars for Cincinnati, was but five miles away. This distance 
was soon covered. Although weary, dust-laden and foot-sore, all 
was forgotten as the officers and men entered the cars and sped 
on their way. Reaching Lexington there was a wait of an hour 
or two to load the baggage, which had been left here to await our 
return. The train then proceeded to Covington, arriving at 
eleven o'clock p. m. The train was held up about one mile from 
town, and the regiment was detained there till morning, when it 
ran into the station, where the men alighted, crossed the river 
to Cincinnati, and marched up to the Fifth Street market, where 
they stacked arms and waited till noon for breakfast. 

The citizens were in a great state of excitement, in fact, to use 
a common expression, "scared to death." To men who had been 
racing up and down the state for the past three months trying 
to have a brush with the enemy, this excitement and fear seemed 
rather laughable than serious. Martial law had, however, been 
declared, and, in consideration of the excitement induced by a 
threatened raid of Morgan and his men, General Burnside re- 
quested the regiment to remain for a few days until the excited 
condition of the public mind should quiet down. To this request 
the regiment, as a whole, willingly acceded. Only a few at- 
tempted to make any trouble, but after they slept on it there was 
no more kicking. The regiment was taken into cam}) on the edge 
of the town, in a suburb that was called Mount Auburn. 

The officers and men were at once made the lions of the. day. 
Invitations to dinners, to teas and to receptions, came in such 
11 



162 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

volume that it was quite impossible to accept or attend them 
all. The regiment held the keys and the freedom of the city. 
The best citizens of the town threw their doors wide open and 
dispensed the most generous hospitality. "Rhode Island" was 
the countersign that admitted them wherever they wanted to go 
or to whatever they wanted. 

At about eleven o'clock of the evening of the 16th of July, 
an order was received from General Burnside to be ready to 
move at a moment's notice, as a part of Morgan's forces had got 
separated from his main body, and the Twelfth might be needed 
to head them off. The regiment, however, was not called upon. 
The scare was now practically over, and the regiment being no 
longer needed, it took its departure amid demonstrations of 
good-will from the populace who gathered on the streets to see 
it off on its way to the shores of loved Narragansett, to home 
and dear ones. 




Lieut. Daniel R. Ballou. 

(From a recent picture.) 



Reminiscences of the Twelfth Rhode Island 
Volunteer Infantry from its Organization 

TO THE RECROSSING OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK 
AFTER THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG. 

Read at the Reunion of the Regiment Aug. 1, 1893. 
By COL. DANIEL R. BALLOU. 



On the 2d of July, 1862, after the disastrous campaign of Gen- 
eral McClellan on the Peninsula, President Lincoln issued a call 
for three hundred thousand men to serve for a period of nine 
months. 

The Twelfth, together with the Eleventh Rhode Island Volun- 
teers, were recruited within the following sixty days, during the 
unfortunate campaign of General Pope, in Northern Virginia, 
which resulted in the invasion of Maryland by the Confederates 
under General Lee and a threatened attack upon the National 
Capitol. This was one of the darkest periods of the Rebellion. 
The wave of intense patriotism which had swept over the country 
in the earlier days of the war, rallying thousands to the defence 
of their country, had greatly subsided, and now the stern and 
cruel realities of dreadful war confronted the people. The 
theatre of military operations had also greatly broadened, and 
the losses in the great battles of the Peninsula, and around 
Washington, had been frightful. The demand, therefore, taking 
into account the aggressive movements of the rebels, was urgent 
for more men to increase the fighting strength of the Union 
armies. It was under these peculiar and trying circumstances 
that the Twelfth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers was re- 
cruited. This regiment had an eventful experience. It was kept 



164 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

at the front during nearly its entire term of service, and was 
almost constantly on the move, thus earning the unique sobriquet 
of the "Trotting Twelfth." 

The regiment before it had been fairly instructed in company 
drill, was sent into action where veterans might well have hesi- 
tated to go. Nobly did it attest its patriotism and valor on the 
bloody and shot-torn approaches to the bristling heights above 
Fredericksburg, where it left one hundred and nine of its heroic 
members either dead or wounded. Its survivors are justly proud 
of its history, although upon its pages are recorded the story of 
its valor upon but a single battlefield, and although upon the 
folds of its war-stained colors is inscribed onl t y the name of 
"Fredericksburg." It was through this terrible baptism of fire 
and crashing shot that its members inherited the right to be 
known as "veterans." Before returning, after the expiration of 
the regiment's term of service, General Burnside, commanding 
the Department of the Ohio, issued the following complimentary 
order, which affirms their claim to the proud title of veterans: 

"On the departure of the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers at 
the expiration of their term of enlistment, the commanding gen- 
eral wishes to express his regret at taking leave of soldiers who/ 
in their brief service, have become veterans. After passing 
through experiences of great hardship and danger, they will re- 
turn with the proud satisfaction that in the ranks of their coun- 
try's defenders the reputation of their State has not suffered at 
their hands." 

The Twelfth was in many respects a unique regiment. It was 
recruited mainly from among the rural districts of the State. 
It was composed largely of farmers and mechanics, with a large 
sprinkling of men of mature years. 

To very many of us who had never been out into the great 
world beyond the narrow boundaries of our little State, and 
whose excursions had been limited to an occasional visit to Provi- 
dence, to take our best girl to the circus, or to Newport, to eat 
blue eggs and drink egg-nog on the traditional "Lection" day, 
the seat of war was to our inexperienced knowledge of the world, 
an unexplored country. To many of us the question of whether 
we would enlist in the service of our country and enter into the 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 165 

perils and dangers incident to a state of war, was one of solemn 
import, and one which was decided only after most serious and 
weighty consideration. We discussed it with our kindred and 
associates in the light of patriotism and duty, and finally placed 
our names on the enlistment rolls with the strange yet proud 
feeling that now we belonged to our country, and that our lives 
were henceforth, if need be, at its disposal. I enlisted in Bur- 
riliville where my father then resided, and the same roll bears 
the names of the chivalrous Lieut. Stephen M. Hopkins, who fell 
mortally wounded at Fredericksburg, and of Capt. Oscar Lap- 
ham, who has since risen to distinction in public life. 

The first instructions my company received in the school of the 
soldier was by the late lamented Capt. James Allen, of Company 
C. His trials must have been great, for a more awkward squad 
has rarely been mustered than this company of country bump- 
kins, who had no more idea of the discipline necessary for a sol- 
dier than the unbroken colts that sniffed the free air of their na- 
tive green hills. But they were willing learners and soon mus- 
tered the rudimentary company movements. A few weeks of 
drill and then we were transferred to Camp Stevens, on Dexter 
Training Ground, where we were for the first time brought under 
the restraints of military discipline. We camped the first night 
in an old lumber shed facing the northerly side of the Training 
Field with the hard floor for our bed. We experienced many 
nights afterwards when we looked back to this night's lodging 
as comfortable if not luxurious. There wasn't much sleeping 
that night. The more thoughtless ones turned night into day 
with jesting and hilarious fun, while the more thoughtful ones 
yielded their minds to sober reflections. The next day, or the 
one after that, the company was assigned to tent quarters in the 
camp, and was thereafter designated as Company K, with Lieu- 
tenant Fales, of Newport, in command. T recall Lieutenant 
Fales as a clean-cut soldierly appearing fellow, a little still' and 
reserved to our unmilitary eyes, but an efficient and intelligent 
officer. The day came for exchanging our civilian dress for the 
uniform of Uncle Sam. I well remember after the exchange we 
were ordered into line, I think for inspection, and 1 was found 
still clad in civilian trousers. A man, also in civilian's dress. 



166 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

reprimanded me with considerable severity for my breach of dis- 
cipline. I was very indignant at the time, that he should, with- 
out being in uniform himself, take such liberties, but I smothered 
my resentment, and, contrary to my custom on occasions of per- 
sonal criticism, wisely refrained from making any remarks. On 
being relieved from duty, however, I made becoming haste to 
substitute the conventional blue for the old friends that served 
as the only remaining link between the old life and the new. A 
few weeks in camp to familiarize the men with the duties and 
discipline of the soldier, and then late in October the order came 
to break camp and move to the front. Then there were sad and 
affectionate partings with dear ones; the final hand-shakes with 
kindred and friends; a great heart-throb, then eyes were turned 
resolutely to the front, and away we marched from home and 
native State to throw ourselves into the flaming vortex of dread- 
ful war. 

I shall never forget the varied and multifarious contents of 
that knapsack which I bore away upon my shoulders, bending 
under its great weight as did the ancient Atlas, bearing the round 
earth upon his back. If the fair Southland, whose sunlit plains, 
whose picturesque valleys, and whose blossoming hillsides have 
been torn and rent by the iron heel of destructive war, could 
yield their vast stores of merchandise dropped by reluctant 
hands from the overburdened shoulders of the Union soldiers as 
they swept back and forth over them, they would furnish a 
boundless if not an interesting exhibit for a world's fair. 

One by one with painful heart twinges, I let go of my treas- 
ured store in the transforming experiences of the exhausting 
march, and they were swallowed up in the great maw of the hun- 
gry earth. Haversacks groaned with the rich dainties which 
loving hands had prepared, and were eaten with moistened eyes 
as we sped onward toward the mighty hosts battling for a na- 
tion's life. 

As we approached Baltimore, our eyes were greeted by the 
first evidences of the great struggle which was convulsing the 
civilized world. Squads of bluecoats were bivouacked at fre- 
quent intervals along the line of the railroad over which we were 
passing, apprising us that we were in an unfriendly country. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 167 

We reached Baltimore in the evening and camped on the floor 
of the station. We arose the next morning, and, after an elabo- 
rate toilet, which consisted of rubbing our eyes and running our 
fingers through our hair, — there were no bald heads in those 
days — we partook of a bountiful breakfast which had been gen- 
erously provided for us, and then fell into line. The colonel en- 
joined us to be upon our good behavior, . . . informing us 
that he was going to march us through the aristocratic quarters 
of the town and around Monument Square. Beautiful women 
peered disdainfully at us from behind richly-curtained windows, 
but no other indignities were offered us as we stepped proudly 
along to the tap of the drum. We reached Washington late in 
the afternoon and camped for the night beneath the shadow of 
the north wing of the Capitol, near a spot which had been occu- 
pied by workmen in preparing the marble for its construction. 
With what wonder and reverent admiration my young eyes gazed 
upon this magnificent structure, in whose grand proportions is 
typified the majesty, the dignity, and the power of the nation, 
whose life our comrades, almost in sight of its majestic dome, 
were bravely fighting to preserve. I wandered, with a feeling of 
mingled awe and admiration, through its magnificent halls and 
impo. ing corridors. I stood upon its classic portico, where Ab- 
raham Lincoln stood and took the oath of his exalted office. My 
spirit bent low at the recollection of the other grand men who 
had within these lordly walls shaped and directed a great na- 
tion's destiny. From across the Potomac this majestic pile glo- 
rifies the landscape for miles around, by its colossal proportions, 
its architectural symmetry and its regal magnificence. I have 
stood for hours under a strange spell of fascination, feasting my 
senses upon its stately outlines. I never tired of the noble pic- 
ture, which is indelibly photographed upon the tablets of my 
memory. The following day, refreshed by our first night's rest 
with the twinkling stars and the bending skies our only shelter, 
we crossed Long Bridge, and, filing to the right, pitched our 
tents in Camp Chase, on the sacred soil of Virginia. 

Our canvas houses were scarcely set in order when a violent 
storm of wind and rain set in, which subjected us for forty-eight 
hours or more to much inconvenience and discomfort. We tar- 



168 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

ried here but a short time, and then moved on to Fairfax Sem- 
inary and pitched our tents on the grounds of a stately mansion 
overlooking the blue waters of the Potomac and the city of Alex- 
andria. We spent several weeks here doing picket duty and per- 
fecting the regiment in battalion and company drill. The boys 
soon found out that the colonel was not essentially a tactician, 
nor did he make any pretence to that accomplishment. The sur- 
vivors of the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers hold in grateful 
remembrance his fatherly watchfulness and care, and his earnest 
and untiring efforts to keep the men well-fed and comfortably 
clad. They also retain a lively recollection of his coolness and 
courage in action. You will pardon me if I refer to a character- 
istic incident which illustrates his inaptitude for the intricacies 
of military manoeuvres. I recall particularly a battalion drill. 
The regiment had been brought to a halt in line of battle and at 
order arms, when the colonel called out: "Attention! Bat- 
talion ! Forward ! Guide centre ! March !" the line was thrown 
into confusion. Some of the companies moved forward dragging 
their muskets after them, while others remained stationary in 
their places. He quickly saw his mistake and cried out in his 
characteristic way : "Oh ! what have I done now !" and gave the 
order to "Shoulder Arms!" and "As you were!" It was no re- 
flection upon the intelligence of the man that he lacked in tactical 
aptitude, any more than it is for one to lack the faculty of be- 
coming a graceful dancer or a successful musician. I recall a 
humorous incident which occurred in camp at Fairfax Seminary, 
which, after the lapse of over forty years, excites a lively sense 
of the ridiculous. It was a dismal, drizzling morning in Novem- 
ber. There had been just enough rain to soften up the clayey 
soil, and render it slippery and of uncertain footing for either 
man or beast. The colonel's horse was brought round to his tent 
by an orderly, and soon he emerged clad in a long rubber coat, 
with a hat of the same material, and booted and spurred, his 
sabre clanking on the ground as he strode along. He vaulted 
into the saddle as nimbly as his extra clothing and accoutrements 
would permit. Gently putting spurs to his horse he started off 
down the hill on a fairly brisk trot, when suddenly the horse 
stumbled and the colonel slid quickly if not gracefully over his 
head, and with a painful expression of hopeless uncertainty in 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 169 

his eyes as to which end up the earth would receive his descend- 
ing anatomy, he involuntarily sat down with impressive empha- 
sis in the softly yielding unctuous mud. He rose with some dif- 
ficulty from his involuntary seat and pulled himself together, at 
the same time expressing his disgust in good set terms, more 
Hudibrasian than for ears polite, and then quickly disappeared 
behind the flys of his tent, where he remained during the rest of 
the day. Just below our camp was that of the Thirteenth New 
Hampshire Volunteers, in which typhoid fever was epidemic. 
The men were fine types of strong, well-developed physique, sug- 
gestive of the rugged rock-ribbed hills of their native state. But 
this terrible scourge swept through their ranks reaping a far 
more deadly harvest than the wild havoc of battle. Not a day 
passed that did not witness a corporal's guard bearing some 
stricken comrade to his humble grave down the hillside. Ah! 
what sadly impressive spectacles were these simple soldier's 
burials. A poor boy, the hope and dependence of some widowed 
mother, . . . dwelling among the j)eaceful scenes of the 
farm, beyond whose surrounding hills the loved one had never 
before wandered. He feels the lurking poison firing the channels 
of his blood and mounting to his brain. His wandering fancy 
bears him back to home and familiar scenes, and from his parched 
lips falls that sweetest of all words ... of either tongue or 
pen, ''Mother." Then the struggling spirit is freed and strong 
men, softened by that magic word, weep and tenderly fold his 
nerveless arms across the dumb pulseless breast. Then the rude 
bier, the uncoffined dead wrapped in the nation's flag, the cor- 
poral's guard with arms reversed, the muffled drumbeat, and the 
sharp volley, and the dead soldier is left alone in his humble 
grave. I have witnessed the grand and imposing obsequies of the 
illustrious dead, I have seen their bodies consigned to the grave 
amid the thunder of cannon and the pealing notes of the bugle 
and the trumpet, but my eyes have never beheld any pageant so 
heart-touching or so impressive as the simple ceremony of a sol- 
dier's burial. 

Early in December the order came to move, but whither no one 
knew. The soldier is never told. It is his duly to obey, never 
to ask questions. He is but a puppet, and when the string is 



170 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

pulled in the great game of war, he moves in quick response. 
Some said the regiment was going back to Washington to do pro- 
vost duty, others said we were goiDg to do guard duty in the 
forts around Washington. But all the time the giants of war 
were gathering their forces down on the Rappahannock, for a 
great and deadly struggle, . . . and thitherward . . . 
on the checkerboard of the great martial game we were to be 
moved. Tents were struck, baggage was loaded onto the wag- 
ons, and rations issued for a long march. We were soon swing- 
ing along towards Washington, and, at dusk, were passing un- 
der the giant shadow of the national Capitol. We filed along 
beyond the city and camped for the night. The next morning 
we were up bright and early, and, after a breakfast of hard tack, 
bacon, and coffee, were off again, tramping down through East- 
ern Maryland. It was evident now that our service was not to 
be in or about Washington. The orders to the men were to re- 
spect private property. But the squeal of the pig after night- 
fall down in that country was something fearful. Whether their 
pigships understood by instinct the great perils incident to the 
presence of a hungry soldier, I know not, but certain it is that 
when these protesting squeals subsided they were quickly fol- 
lowed by a subdued gurgling sound, and, directly, the atmosphere 
of the camp become redolent with ... the appetizing odors 
of fried or roast pig meat. Sometimes the crisp evening air 
would be disturbed by suppressed squeaks and flutterings, such 
as follow the unerring grasp of the wary "coon," upon the cluck- 
ing apparatus of the unsuspecting chicken, roosting in the lower 
branches of some convenient tree. It became noticeable very 
soon that these nocturnal manifestations were invariably fol- 
lowed by savory fried chicken "a la Maryland." 

The officers assumed an air of grave concern as though puz- 
zled by the mysterious sounds, but ate with unaffected relish, 
both flesh and fowl as it turned up at the mess, and no questions 
asked. 

Our rations, save as some unfortunate razor-back, or imprudent 
chicken came our way, were the regulation hard tack and salted 
meat. Our digestions were good in those days and there were no 
torpid livers to vex our spirits or turn the bright objects of our 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 171 

visions to sickly yellow. Our march through Maryland was un- 
eventful save as it introduced us to the discomforts of a soldier's 
life. 

I recall, however, having been in command of the rear guard 
one day, when one of the men climbed into a baggage wagon, and. 
protected by its friendly shelter, gave himself up to the enjoy- 
ment of a comfortable day's ride. This was hardly in accord- 
ance, as I thought, with a becoming military discipline and I or- 
dered him to resume his place with the squad. He declined to 
obey, and I then directed the men to dislodge him, which they 
did without ceremony. Incensed by this action he made a 
vicious lunge at me with his fixed bayonet, which would have 
impaled me against the steep bank which rose perpendicularly 
behind me had I not parried his thrust with my sword. I imme- 
diately placed him under arrest, but he begged so hard that upon 
his promise to perform his duties without further trouble I re- 
leased him. I made no report of his insubordination, not desir- 
ing to make serious trouble for the fellow. 

In the following April, after we had gone into camp at Lex- 
ington, Ky., Colonel Browne, having in some way heard of the 
affair, called me to task for not having preferred charges against 
the man. I tried to excuse the affair, but he insisted, and I 
framed some charges and handed them in. They did not suit 
him, however, and he referred them back to be recast. Before I 
had time to reframe them the regiment moved and the 
affair was not again brought to my attention. A number of years 
after I was one day standing in the stable of the old Woonsocket 
Hotel, at Woonsocket, when I was rudely accosted by a half 
drunken fellow, whom I did not recognize at the moment, who 
assured me in terms more emphatic than polite that it was his 

intention to give me "a d d licking." I inquired, with as 

much calmness and unconcern as the threatening aspect of the 
situation would permit, the reason for his hostile demonstration. 
He replied with frank and unequivocal directness, "For making 
me get down out of that baggage wagon when the eld Twelfth 
went through Maryland." I at once recalled the incident and 
recognized the same vicious look that gleamed from iiis eves when 
he made the murderous lunoe at me. I endeavored to hold a 



172 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

parley with him, urging that had I been disposed I might have 
had him court-martialed for assaulting an officer and he would 
have been severely punished. He declined to take that view of 
the matter and continued to advance in a threatening manner. 
Xot caring to incur a collision with him I executed a flank move- 
ment and retreated without indecent haste to the friendly shelter 
of the hotel. Thus I at length suffered the penalty for relaxing 
military discipline. I am persuaded that had I caused him to be 
punished he would have respected me all the more. 

At last the regiment in its weary march through Maryland, ar- 
rived at dreary, desolate, God-forsaken Port Tobacco. If the 
poor persecuted Siberian exile runs up against any place in his 
hopeless journey to that prison land that equals Port Tobacco 
in dismal loneliness and wind-swept desolateness, as it seemed to 
me on that day, he is indeed to be pitied. The discomforts of the 
bleak, cold and cheerless passage across the Potomac to Acquia 
Creek, and the inexpressible agony of that night in Camp Smoke, 
are undying memories. Another day's march and we are swal- 
lowed up in the embattled hosts of the great Army of the Poto- 
mac. On this last day's march I was hungry as I had never been 
before, having had no fresh meat for several days. I picked up 
on the way a fresh beef bone; a little meat remained on it. I 
broke it up, and, with a little hard-tack, bacon, and water, made 
a stew which I ate with infinite relish. We were beginning to 
learn the practical side of a soldier's life. What a strange, be- 
wildering sight to my young eyes were the barbaric scenes of war 
that lay spread out before me. A vast city of tented streets 
with outh r ing suburbs of white-winged dwellings; long lines of 
armed men moving with measured step; smart aides and order- 
lies hurrying hither and thither; generals in full uniform at- 
tended by brilliantly mounted staffs galloping among the troops. 

I was confused and stunned by the ten thousand Babel sounds 
that broke upon nry unaccustomed ears. There were the pealing 
bugle notes, the rattling drum-beats and the screaming fife, the 
inspiring strains of martial music, the hoarse cries of command, 
the neighing of horses and the indescribable, inexpressible, un- 
earthly, distressing discords of the braying mule. Here we 
pitched our shelter tents, and, crawling beneath them, stretched 







■J 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 173 

our weary bodies upon the damp ground and slept as peacefully 
as though we were in our beds at home instead of being amid 
these strange scenes and sounds. On the morrow we woke to 
find that this vast multitude about us, together with ourselves, 
now busy to break camp, will soon be fashioned into a mighty 
engine to be hurled against the frowning heights across the river 
that flows peacefully at their feet. The Twelfth, but two months 
in the service, undisciplined, and unfamiliar with drill, are to 
join these veterans of a score of hard-fought battles, in a bloody 
struggle with the determined foe that awaits our coming. Then 
every man, as he became conscious of the impending struggle, 
calmly resolved to do his duty. Many were the prayers that were 
uttered, for no man could tell what might be his fate. With the 
early dawn all was activity. There was hurrying to and fro, 
and, when the morning sun rose behind the fleeing night, his ear- 
liest rays were reflected in corruscating splendor from the bur- 
nished arms and accoutrements of the marshalled hosts. All 
day long the serried ranks of this vast host stood calmly await- 
ing the signal to advance on their mission of carnage and death. 
It was a grandly imposing spectacle, these thronging, bristling 
regiments, brigades, and divisions, with their battle-stained, shot- 
torn colors drooping in the soft, hazy air of that mild December 
morning. As far as the eye could reach to the front and to the 
rear, to the right and to the left, was one continuous forest of 
glistening bayonets. All day long they stood listening for the 
word of command, but none came, and back to camp with the 
lengthening shadows of approaching night the long, dark lines 
filed, each man of this vast array, to the very spot he had left in 
the morning. All again stretched themselves upon the ground 
to sleep, many of them . . . for the last time on earth. 

On the following morning, as the light of the dawning day 
came flashing through the brooding mists, a booming gun signals 
the opening fray. Suddenly more than a hundred guns belch 
forth the volleying thunders of the merciless cannonade. Now 
this mighty engine of human hands and feet and throbbing hearts 
terrible with banners and breathing destruction and death, be- 
gins its advance. Onward it moves, with firm step and deter- 
mined aspect. Amid a fierce storm of shrieking shells and crash- 



174 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

ing shot it reaches the bluff which overlooks the river; down its 
steep side it calmly and steadily moves forward, then across the 
pontoon bridges and up into the deserted streets of the be- 
leagured city. I well remember as we passed the Phillips House, 
occupied by General Burnside for his headquarters, of seeing 
Major-General Sumner commanding the Right Grand Division 
of the Army of the Potomac, before Fredericksburg. He was 
mounted and wore the full dress uniform of his rank. His whi- 
tened locks flowed in graceful waves from beneath his cap and 
were gently lifted on the mild breeze. To my eyes he presented 
an attractive and impressive picture of ripened manhood and 
soldierly dignity. 

When our regiment reached the brow of the bluff, where the 
descent begins leading to the river's brink, there it had its first 
introduction to the fiendish screech of flying missiles. Many of 
the men involuntarily dipped their heads as the frightful sounds 
fell upon their unaccustomed ears. I dropped so that my finger 
tips penetrated the yielding earth. The colonel, observing this, 
cried out in his quaint way, "Don't do that, boys! You can't 
dodge them things!" Assured by this consoling information, I 
braced up and brought my head and shoulders to a proper eleva- 
tion. That same afternoon as the colonel and his staff were 
seated upon their horses in the rear of a brick building engaged 
in a pleasant chat, a solid shot or shell struck the roof above, 
bringing down a shower of shingles upon them. The colonel, to 
the great amusement of the large number of the boys who wit- 
nessed the scene, threw himself down upon the neck of his horse, 
but, suddenly recalling his reprimand of the morning, he ex- 
claimed, as he resumed an upright position, "Well, they do make 
a fellow dodge a little, don't they?" 

We soon got so accustomed to these yelling, shrieking demons, 
which were continually flying over our heads, that we scarcely 
noticed them unless they fell or exploded near us. That night, 
with our arms within easy reach, we disposed ourselves along the 
sidewalks and in the streets, and, wrapped in our blankets, slept 
as soundly and restful ly as though in our beds at home. The 
enemy's batteries and our own ceased firing after the curtains 
of night were drawn. The stars came trooping forth thickly 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 175 

studding the clear-arching heavens with familiar and friendly ra- 
diance, and the stillness and calmness of tranquil repose fell 
upon the tumultuous scenes of the closing day. The shadows of 
night settled down upon the ghastly tokens and horrors of war 
and mercifully hid them from sight. There was nothing to de- 
note that two great armies were hovering near, ready to spring 
at each other's throats in a deadly struggle, save the noiseless 
tread of the vigilant sentinels who kept faithful vigil hetween 
them and the gleaming camp-fires on the frowning heights above. 
The next morning many of the hoys found their way into the 
houses which had been hastily abandoned before the bombard- 
ment of the city. It was a sad reflection, the thought that de- 
fenceless women and children, the aged and infirm, driven from 
these homes of comfort and refinement in the inclement winter 
months, were wandering in the rear of Lee's army, perhaps with- 
out shelter and without sufficient food, while those whom they 
looked upon as their deadliest enemies were ransacking their 
dwelling-places and profaning their household gods. I entered 
one house; there were the children's playthings scattered about 
the rooms which a few hours before had rung with innocent 
childish prattle; and lying about with an air of social refinement 
and unconventional freedom, were books and music, and the 
thousand and one objects that beautify and adorn the refined 
home. Ah ! what a monster of cruelty is war ! It not only tram- 
ples with an iron hoof upon human life, but it desecrates and de- 
stroys home, the most sacred object of human creation. It sti- 
fles human sympathy, blunts the moral sensibilities and revels in 
the pitiful wails of anguish and despair that rise in ceaseless 
and harrowing volume from its merciless inhumanity. To my 
mind the spectacle of the disfigured, shot-torn corpses which lay 
unburied and festering in the streets, or the carnage and 
slaughter which was witnessed on the field of battle, bespoke a 
less cruel hand than the desolation of firesides and the anguish 
and despair of human hearts, for these are the real inhumanities 
of dreadful war. I looked around for some trifling memento of 
this Southern home that would not encumber me to take away. 
I felt confident then that after a few days of hard fighting the 
army would triumphantly enter Richmond, from which place I 



176 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

could enclose my memento in a letter and send it home. I picked 
up this thing and that thing, dropping each for something that 
seemed more appropriate, as a child drops one plaything for one 
more attractive, and finally left the house with a small ring of 
white wax beads. During the morning of the day the regiment 
went into the fight, I saw a. regiment in spic and span uniform, 
their arms and equipments glistening in the sunshine, filing down 
the bluff on the other side of the river, headed by a band, which 
was saucily trumpeting the familiar air of "Bully for You." 
When the band had about reached the pontoon bridge its inspir- 
ing strains being doubtless plainly heard by the rebels on the 
heights above, two shells came screeching and shrieking over our 
heads with defiant accompaniment to the music, and struck in 
the midst of the column just on the brow of the bluff. There was 
a puff of smoke, and, when it rose, the long dark line of the regi- 
ment had disappeared under the convenient protection of a neigh- 
boring ravine. An ambulance was driven rapidly up to the scene 
of the catastrophe, the shattered bodies of the dead and wounded 
were gathered into it, and then it was driven quickly away. 
Frightful as was the spectacle there was in it a touch of humor 
that excited a laugh among those who witnessed it. Thus does 
familiarity with danger render the human mind less sensible to 
its consequences, while the mind's susceptibility to outward im- 
pressions is sigularly adjusted to surrounding circumstances and 
objects. 

At length it came our turn to go into action. I take it we all 
experienced substantially the same sensations when the colonel 
gave the order to move forward. He remarked, as a sort of com- 
forting assurance, that we were to march on to the field in line 
of battle, as we would be under fire directly and it would not be 
so effective as it would be if we advanced in columns. When the 
order was given there came a slightly choking sensation in the 
throat, a quicker pulsing of the heart and a perceptible tremor 
of the nerves, induced by an apprehension of danger. Then each 
man summoned all his resolution, and, tightening his grasp upon 
his arms, the regiment pushed up the steep bank as it rose from 
the river's side, and out across an open field in full view of the 
enemy's works on Marye's Heights. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 177 

" Behold in awful march and dread array 
The long extended squadrons shape their way 
Death in approaching, terrible imparts 
An anxious horror to the bravest hearts. 
Yet do their beating breasts demand the strife 
And thirst of glory quells the love of life " 

Here our ears first caught the vicious "zip" of the Minie ball. 
As we advanced across this open field we could plainly see the 
rebel lines rise from their entrenchments and pour their murder- 
ous volleys into the columns of our brave comrades, which reeled 
and staggered under the withering storm ; but again and again, 
with a sublime courage, the Union patriots closed up their shat- 
tered ranks, and, steadying their decimated lines, hurled them- 
selves with undaunted spirit against the impregnable stronghold 
of their defiant foes. 

The regiment finally reached a high board fence which de- 
scribed a right angle facing our front. The regiment swung 
around this angle, bringing the two companies, B and G, to the 
left of the angle, and the remaining companies to the right, so 
that they were concealed from each other. The order was given 
to the men to lie down behind the fence as a protection from the 
fire of the enemy's batteries to which we were exposed. The left 
of the two companies B and G rested on the famous railroad cut. 

While we lay there a shell struck a knoll in front of us and 
ricochetted through the fence, cutting off the left leg of Private 
George W. Austin, of South Kingstown, just above the knee and 
as clean as though it had been severed with a knife. He died on 
the field. It was the first casualty that I witnessed, and, at the 
sight of the terrible wound and the blood, all turned pale, and, 
as for myself, with a nervous impulse I plunged my hands deeply 
into the soft yielding soil. For some unaccountable cause the 
order to advance was not communicated to the left, and, being 
concealed from the main body of the regiment by the fence, 
the men were not aware of the movement, so that companies 
B and G became detached. As soon as the mistake was discov- 
ered Captains Longstreet and Rogers held a hasty consultation 
and decided to file to the left down into the railroad cut. The 
order was given, and, as we began to move, an officer sprang up 
12 



178 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

the steep bank and cried out, "For God's sake don't go in there; 
you will be cut to pieces!" We halted a moment, and, while I 
stood within two or three feet of Captain Bogers, holding a hasty 
consultation as to which way we should move, a spent shell from 
our own batteries passed between us and fell harmlessly a few 
feet beyond. This indicated that our own troops were in peril, 
as well from our own guns as from those of the enemy. We 
found our way into the railroad cut, but at what point has be- 
come by the lapse of years so vague a recollection that I cannot 
recall it. Fortunately, as I recall the event, the enemy's fire had 
somewhat slackened, and we lost no men that 1 am aware of. 
While we were moving through the railroad cut, our attention 
was attracted by loud cries of "Come right up here! Come on! 
Come on !" and other exclamations which could not be heard 
above the clamor and roar of the battle. Standing on the high- 
est point of the steep bank, which rose almost perpendicularly 
to a height of at least fifty feet, and in full view, I should judge, 
of the entire rebel army, was Sergt.-Maj. Charley Potter, wildly 
gesticulating, . . . slashing the air with his sword and hal- 
looing at the top of his voice. I expected every moment to see 
him tumble into our midst a. shot-torn mangled corpse. But 
whether, out of admiration for his boldness and audacity, the 
enemy spared him, or because of some impending charge by our 
troops upon their works, he was unnoticed, it is quite impossible 
to say. It was a humorous episode in the terrible tragedy that 
was being enacted around us. We measured with our eyes the 
precipitous bank and deemed it unwise to attempt to scale it. 
We passed along to the end of the cut and filed to the left out 
upon the battlefield amid windrows of dead and wounded, the air 
all about us in tremulous agitation from the hissing, crashing, 
moaning, shrieking and fluttering missiles of death. The battle 
has been described so many times that any description of mine 
would only mar the symmetry of the story with which you are 
all familiar. 

All day long the surging tide of the patriot hosts beat against 
those fateful heights. Such valor has rarely been witnessed in 
all the terrible experiences of war. When the darkness or wel- 
come night settled down upon that blood-stained field, seventy- 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 179 

five hundred dead and wounded comrades lav concealed in the 
sheltering gloom. The shattered ranks of the great Army of the 
Potomac, undaunted and unconquerable in spirit, lie down be- 
side its heroic dead, and, clinching their arms with a firm and 
resolute grasp, await with watchful eyes for the coming dawn. 
They will be ready on the morrow to storm those frowning 
heights and avenge the blood of their slain comrades. 

The chivalrous commander of the Army of the Potomac, his 
great heart breaking with grief because of the fearful slaughter 
of the day, declares to his assembled generals his purpose to lead 
his own Ninth Corps the next morning in a charge upon the rebel 
works on Marye's Heights. His generals disapprove his heroic 
resolve as too hazardous, urging that the enemy's position was 
so far impregnable that an assault would result in a useless sac- 
rifice of human lives. To this advice he reluctantly accedes. 
Through the next day and into the following night the Union 
lines sullenly maintain a threatening front. But under the 
friendly shelter of the gathering shadows of nightfall this great 
army confined in the pent-up streets of Fredericksburg and with 
a deep-flowing river at its back, turns its battle-stained columns 
towards the opposite bank and noiselessly as phantoms they van- 
ish in the deepning gloom, and when the glorious god of day 
mounts his golden chariot on the morrow, they are safely back 
at their old camp, and the battle of Fredericksburg has passed 
into the web and woof of a great nation's history. 



Reminiscences of the Twelfth Rhode Island Vol- 
unteers—From Falmouth to Kentucky. 

Read at the Reunion of the Regiment Aug. 6, 1895. 
By COL. DANIEL R. BALLOU. 



The withdrawal of the Army of the Potomac across the Rappa- 
hannock to its old camping ground, after its disastrous experi- 
ences under the bristling heights of Fredericksburg, was followed 
by great hardship and suffering among the troops, which the 
soldiers of the Twelfth shared in common with the rest of their 
comrades-in-arms. 

During the excitement of the fight many of the men had 
thoughtlessly thrown away their blankets and shelter tents, and 
when they found their way back to camp were without any pro- 
tection from the piercing wintry blasts that swept over the 
"sacred soil" after the great battle. 

This extreme cold was succeeded later on by warmer weather 
and rains which transformed the camp and surrounding country 
into one vast slough of sticky, viscid mud, in which men and 
beasts floundered in inextricable desperation. Added to the dis- 
comforts incident to these conditions, and which made them less 
endurable, was the feeling of disappointment and chagrin, min- 
gled with sorrow, that pervaded the army in consequence of its 
bloody failure to dislodge the enemy in the late battle. The en- 
emy still defiantly held the frowning heights, against whose steel- 
girt base the life-tide of seventy-five hundred slain and wounded 
heroes broke in great crested waves, dashing their crimson spray 
far up the embattled slopes. 

The great heart of the nation well-nigh lost hope in this ter- 
rible trial, but it at length gathered inspiration and courage 



TWELFTH RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 181 

from the intrepid spirit and sublime courage always displayed 
by the magnificent Army of the Potomac, no less in times of dis- 
aster like this than in the hour of victory. 

Six months later its unflinching heroism and unfaltering faith 
were rewarded by a glorious triumph on the historic field of Get- 
tysburg and at Vicksburg. 

The survivors of the gallant old Twelfth are honored in having 
shared the perils and hardships of that midwinter campaign 
along the banks of the Rappahannock. 

What a strange panorama of mingled scenes of comedy and 
tragedy, of pathetic helplessness and ineffable disgust was pre- 
sented by a great army, invested with all the panoply and trap- 
pings of war; its men, horses, guns and baggage teams, flounder- 
ing in inextricable confusion in the indescribable mud of "Old 
Virginny.'' How full of agony must have been the heart of our 
dear old Burnside, as he looked out over his great army on that 
memorable 22d of January, staggering beneath the pelting rain 
that poured in pitiless torrents from the overburdened clouds. 

You will recall the return to camp after this unsuccessful at- 
tempt and the long days of patient submission to surrounding 
discomforts and discouragements. 

At length, on the 8th of February following, there came an 
order for the Ninth Corps to move. On the following day the 
boys packed their knapsacks, and. with a sigh of relief, turned 
their backs upon the miseries of "Camp Mud.'' The discomforts 
experienced here had their bright side. Mutual sufferings bring 
men closer together and intensify and strengthen their friend- 
ships, so that while the men felt no regret at departing from 
these scenes, many of them carried away in their hearts a deeper 
and holier sentiment of brotherly love than they had ever before 
experienced. The regiment boarded the train on the afternoon 
of the 9th and ran down to Acquia Creek, where they embarked 
on the steamers Metacomet and Juniata, which at once hauled 
into the stream, and the next morning stood down the river 
bound for Newport News. The schooner Elizabeth and Helen 
laden with stores from home for the Rhode island hoys, lay off 
Acquia Creek, as the regiment embarked. Colonel Browne put 
out to her in a boat and secured a few apples, which he caused 



182 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

to be distributed among the regiment. These were keenly rel- 
ished by the men, who had had but few, if any, vegetables or fruit 
for many weeks. On the 11th of February, after a pleasant pas- 
sage, the regiment was landed at Newport News, where they 
went into camp along with the rest of the Ninth Corps. Objects 
of great interest greeted the eager eyes of the men as the steam- 
ers neared the great gateway of Hampton Roads. On the right, 
the frowning battlements of Fortress Monroe, bristling with their 
mighty armament of huge guns, whose grewsome jaws were wide 
open to hurl destructive bolts at any approaching enemy. On 
the left, the famous Rip-Raps, an incompleted fortress, which 
served as a place of confinement for military prisoners. Further 
along to the left was the mouth of Elizabeth River, and a few 
miles up the stream, nestling along its bank, the fair city of Nor- 
folk, and just across, the Portsmouth Navy Yard, where the fa- 
mous ram, Merrimac, was fitted out. These places, but lately in 
the possession of the enemy, were now sheltered by the Stars and 
Stripes which floated undisturbed above them. 

What a magnificent bay, — rather a great inland, landlocked 
sea, — breaks on the vision as the steamers round old Point Com- 
fort, and head up this grand waterway. As far away to the 
westward as the eye can reach, one vainly searches for the mouth 
of the James River, until the bright blue waters merge in the 
gracefully bending sky. Here, on the broad, deep bosom of an 
unruffled sea, can float the navies of the world. Who can sum 
up the future possibilities of American progress and resources, 
and not picture countless fleets laden with the commerce of an 
empire, serenely riding at a safe anchorage within this harbor of 
refuge. Opposite the camp of the Twelfth are the crushed and 
sunken hulks of the Congress and Cumberland, silent witnesses 
of the destructive power of the Confederate ironclad Merrimac. 
Out on these now peaceful waters was enacted the grandest 
drama in naval warfare the world has ever seen. 

The fight between the Monitor, that strangely invincible crea- 
tion of the great Ericsson, and the Merrimac, convulsed the civil- 
ized world, and wrought a sweeping revolution in the naval archi- 
tecture of the great powers of the earth. There seemed to be 
the hand of Providence in this dramatic event. Had the Merri- 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 183 

mac reached the open sea, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, 
and New York, would have been at the mercy of this Titanic le- 
viathan. No event during the war caused greater consternation 
than the expected appearance of this terrible ironclad monster. 
Secretary Stanton predicted that she would come up the Potomac 
and drop shells into the Capitol and White House. Who can 
contemplate without a shudder the disastrous results which 
might have followed. But the little Monitor, with its cheese-box 
turret, was completed just in the nick of time. She appeared at 
the scene of conflict, not early enough to save those grand old 
frigates, whose splendid architecture preserved in surviving 
ships, are now the unique relics of a past age, but just early 
enough to prevent the escape of this ironclad engine of destruc- 
tion, and the fatal consequences which must have followed. 

The camp of the Twelfth was pleasantly located some distance 
back from the camp which overlooks the Roads, and, as soon as 
the quartermaster could get a requisition honored, "A" tents 
were distributed and the men were comfortably housed. The 
time was occupied with company, battalion, and brigade drill, 
the regiment performing its part of picket duty. On the 25th 
day of February the corps was reviewed by General Dix. The 
discipline of the regiment in drill was now T under the direction of 
Lieut.-Col. James Shaw, Jr., lately assigned to that position. 
Under his efficient instruction the regiment made rapid progress 
in this important feature of the service. Oysters and other shell- 
fish abounded in these waters, so that the men were able to add 
to their army rations these luxuries, of which they had for many 
months been deprived. 

Those who could procure passes availed themselves of the op- 
portunity to visit Fortress Monroe and Norfolk, on which occa- 
sion paper collars and an extra shine were in order. There were 
few incidents of an exciting nature to break the monotony of 
cam]) life. Occasionally the boys would cast a searching glance 
in the direction of the gunboat patrolling off the month of the 
James as if they would like to see another ironclad steamer come 
down and have a brush with the Monitor. 

It was a common saying in the regiment that when the Butler 
got along it was about time for orders to move. The truth of 



184 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

it did not fail in our experience at Newport News. During the 
last days of the camp Uncle Horace turned up with his stores of 
condensed milk, tobacco, and other luxuries, at sight of which 
the average soldier is always ready for a prompt and uncondi- 
tional surrender of his loose change. 

You all remember Horace Patterson. His beaming, full-orbed 
face reminded one of Dickens's "Pickwick." He lacked Pick- 
wick's oratorical powers, and his indifference to money matters, 
— but he had about him an air of benignity and childlike inno- 
cence which were the crowning attractions of that immortal 
character. Underneath his guileless exterior ran a strong cur- 
rent of Yankee shrewdness, but unfortunately for him, like Mc- 
Clellan, he was too slow. There was considerable excitement in 
camp when Horace arrived, and when he commenced the erec- 
tion, under the direction of the colonel, of a log house in which 
to display his wares, everybody was sure that the completion of 
the structure would be the signal for breaking camp, and so it 
was. The colonel took a great interest in the building of this 
structure. He bossed the job, and in so doing earned the sobri- 
quet among the boys of "She." 

As I recollect, Uncle Horace had scarcely set up his wares for 
sale before the regiment broke camp and was off for Kentucky. 
I hear the old man has recently passed away at our Soldiers' 
Home at the advanced age of eighty-four, and that his last days 
were shrouded in the gloom and bitterness of poverty. On the 
night of the 5th of March, while encamped at Newport News, 
Company F received a social call from a large delegation of the 
Forty-eighth Pennsylvania. The guests being of a playful dis- 
position, brought along with them a unique assortment of clubs 
and stones, through the medium of which they demonstrated by 
way of emphasis their arrival. Company F had among its mem- 
bership a large number who were well versed in the requirements 
of hospitality on a social occasion of this character, and accord- 
ingly a self-constituted committee of the whole was quickly or- 
ganized, who, waiving all formalities, received their visitors with 
such overwhelming and unexpected fervency that they retired 
at an early hour bearing many conspicuous marks of the 
unstinted entertainment of which they had been the recipi- 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 185 

ents. A few of the departing guests, owing to the singular en- 
thusiasm and confusion incident to their sudden leave-taking, 
not to be outdone in politeness, returned to make more formal 
adieus, which were of so noisy and hilarious a character as to in- 
vite the presence of Captain Hubbard and the lieutenant-colonel, 
who rendered valuable assistance in winding up the honors of 
the occasion, which were largely with Company F. 

On the 25th of March, 1863, marching orders were received, 
and, on the evening of the 26th, tents were struck, and, in a few 
moments, the orderly camp of a great army was one wide ocean 
of disorder and desolation. Great bonfires of boxes and cam}) 
debris were started, and the air was suddenly filled with flame 
and smoke. At eleven o'clock, pursuant to orders, the men 
quickly fell in and the regiment marched to the landing, and 
aboard the steamer Long Island, bound for Baltimore. After a 
pleasant and uneventful passage, the steamer reached a landing 
on the evening of the 27th, but the regiment was detained aboard 
until the following morning. At six o'clock the next morning 
the regiment disembarked, and. forming on the wharf, was 
marched through the city to the station from whence the men 
were to be transported to the Department of the Ohio. Public 
sentiment in Baltimore had evidently undergone a change since 
we passed through it on our way to the front six months before. 
The regiment was warmly and enthusiastically received all along 
the line of march, and the boys, under the impulse of the moment, 
forgave the scornful reception they had received from the proud 
beauties of the Monument city on our former visit. Permission 
had been given on the march through the city, — or no attempl 
was made to restrain the men, — to leave the ranks, and, a1 Hie 
end of the hour or thereabouts it took to reach the station, the 
veteran Ninth Corps of the Army of the Potomac, which had 
fought at Antietam and at Fredericksburg, was on a grand 
spree in Baltimore. All along the line of march were groups 
of old soldiers, with just enough of tanglefoot down to feel 
good, spinning yarns to the gaping crowd of their personal 
exploits and hairbreadth escapes. When the various com- 
mands reached the station it was only with a handful of 
men. The ranks were as depleted as though they had just 
been through a great battle. Then the scattered fugitives had to 



186 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

be drummed together, which was done, but not without some 
difficulty. Ambulances and stretchers might have been used 
with advantage, and it is no serious reflection upon the boys to 
say this. If any men ever had an excuse for a little overindul- 
gence, they had one. Let it not be laid up against them that 
after undergoing so much suffering and hardship, incurring so 
many dangers upon the battlefield and in other places of peril 
in defence of their country, they yielded to this temptation. 
Everybody was good-natured, and, with the exception of a little 
firing in the air to remind the populace that the boys were around, 
there was no manifestation of disorder. It was one o'clock in 
the afternoon before the last man was aboard the train. If 
pandemonium was ever let loose, this was the time and the occa- 
sion. If Johnny reb had run across us on this trip he would 
have had the picnic of his life. It was late into the night when, 
tired out and exhausted by their incessant and vociferous lung 
exercises, quiet at length settled down upon the boys and 
they fell asleep. At one o'clock in the afternoon of the next day, 
we reached Altoona, where we received rations of hot coffee and 
white bread and then commenced the ascent of the picturesque 
Alleghany Mountains. Crossing the Alleghanies was a very en- 
joyable experience for very many of us. The scenery was de- 
lightful, but to many of us the triumphs of engineering skill that 
had overcome the natural obstacles to the construction of a rail- 
road over these steep ascents and across mountain chasms ex- 
cited quite as much wonder in our minds. At midnight we 
reached Pittsburg, and a half-hour later we partook of what may 
properly be called an early breakfast, which was kindly provided 
for us at the City Hall. We then returned to the station, and, 
wrapping our blankets around us, lay down in the open train- 
shed and snatched what sleep we could during the rest of the 
night. The next morning at nine o'clock the regiment was off 
en route for Cincinnati. Comrade Alexander, then lieutenant, 
and afterwards captain, and myself, were left behind to bring up 
the stragglers, which we did in fine style, but not without much 
vexatious experience in procuring rations and transportation. 
Comrade Alexander was equal to all the emergencies, as we have 
ever found him to be, not only during his service, but on all oc- 
casions since. We joined the command with our detachment, 




Lieut. Fenner H. Peckham, Jr. 
(From a recent picture.) 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 187 

as I recollect, at Covington, Ky. An incident occurred after the 
regiment crossed the river into Covington that threatened serious 
consequences to some of our men as well as the colonel. A crowd 
of soldiers got into a fray among themselves, in which bayonets 
were being freely used. The colonel, observing the row, fear- 
lessly threw himself with drawn sabre between the infuriated 
combatants as Othello, with sword in hand, threw himself upon 
his lieutenants engaged in unseemly brawl in the streets of Ven- 
ice. He commanded them to disperse, but they were in no mood 
to be interfered with. A colonel, was, for the moment, of no 
more consequence than a common soldier. The situation was 
looking quite serious for him, when some of our men observing 
his perilous situation rushed in, and, with some risk of personal 
violence, extricated him from the mob. Without further ad- 
venture we reached Lexington on the evening of the 31st of 
March, and camped in the cars and about the railroad station. 
The most prominent object that attracted our attention as day- 
light revealed our surroundings, was a tall shaft of white mar- 
ble, as 1 recollect, in the cemetery hard by, surmounted by a 
colossal statue of Kentucky's great statesman, Henry Clay. 

Lexington was the home of this great man, the idol of the peo 
pie, whose death w 7 as mourned as the death of no other Ameri- 
can has ever been, save, perhaps, Washington and Lincoln. I 
stood by his grave, upon which the snows of but ten winters 
had fallen, and wondered whether his great influence, which 
would have surely been thrown on the side of the Union, would 
have been sufficiently potent to have averted this terrible war. 
It was to his persuasive words and commanding eloquence that 
the passions of men on the great issue of slavery were more than 
once allayed, and the dread arbitrament of war averted. How 
strangely inconsistent is nearly all human action ! At that very 
moment, as I reverently stood by the great commoner's grave, his 
son, James Clay, whose wife and children occupied Hie ancestral 
home at the opposite side of the town, familiar to his country- 
men as Ashland, was fighting to destroy the government his illus- 
trious father had done so much to develop and maintain. 

During the day the regiment was marched through the town 
to a beautiful grove of beaches, walnuts and maples, just beyond 
the fair grounds. On the thick carpet of grass, which abounds 



188 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

in both grove and meadow of this fruitful garden spot of the 
country, and beneath the refreshing shade of the grand old trees, 
we pitched our tents. 

From the camp can be plainly seen amid the sylvan back- 
ground beyond the town, the majestic statue of Henry Clay, 
standing in stately repose upon the lofty apex of the aspiring 
shaft that rises conspicuously above the house tops and sur- 
rounding trees, while to the right, a half-mile away, one catches 
glimpses through the rifts in the budding foliage of the impos- 
ing outlines of the present Clay mansion. 

Late in the afternoon, just as the boys had finished pitching 
the tents and putting their canvas bouses in order, a horseman 
was seen approaching from the direction of the town. He was 
clad in semi military dress and wore a regulation cap. He was 
mounted on a dark-bay Kentucky thoroughbred, as graceful in 
motion, and as symmetrical of limb as a wild antelope, and his 
rider was none the less shapely in figure or comely in pose. As 
the beautiful animal came prancing and cavorting into camp, 
there was such a harmony in the figures and motions of both 
man and beast that one was instinctively led to believe that the 
fabled centaur was not a myth after all. 

Colonel Browne stepped out and extended a welcome, and in- 
troduced the distinguished appearing stranger to the boys who 
had gathered about him, as "Gen. Leslie Coombs, the lifelong- 
friend of Henry Clay." He gracefully saluted by raising his cap, 
while his restive steed daintily pawed the ground. The colonel 
then invited the general to address us, a large portion of the 
regiment having by this time been attracted to the spot. Doffing 
his cap he poured forth an impassioned torrent of what might be 
termed wild, woolly west eloquence. It was lavishly punctuated 
with expressive swear words in condemnation of the rebels, and 
in glorification of the Union and the National flag. He enjoined 
us, with grandiloquent vehemence, not to rest in our efforts until 
we had driven every one of the blank rebels from Kentucky and 
Tennessee into the great Mississippi, and not to cease driving 
them until they were all strangled in its turbid waters. As an 
exhibition of rhetorical gymnastics I am fully persuaded it was 
a howling success. General Coombs had been a man of com- 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 189 

nianding ability and of great influence in his native state. He 
must have been a man of clever intellect to have enjoyed the 
friendship and confidence of the great Kentucky statesman. He 
married a daughter of the founder of the manufacturing village 
of Manville, in this State. 

We tarried here in this delightful camp but a week, and, just 
as we were beginning to live like civilized beings, we were again 
ordered to move. On Wednesday morning, April the 8th, the 
brigade broke camp, and, in heavy marching order, started for 
Winchester, nearly thirty miles away, as 1 was told, although 
Comrade Grant, in his interesting little history entitled The Fin- 
ing Regiment, says, "it was but twenty-two miles." Whatever 
the distance may have been, it was a terribly exhausting march. 
It was an excessively hot day and our route of march lay over 
a macadamized roadbed, dusty and with the sharp edges of em- 
bedded stones projecting from the hard surface. The men had 
done no marching to speak of in six months. They had not 
marched far before they began to grow foot-sore, many fell out, 
overcome by the heat and dust, which rose in suffocating clouds. 
It was to every intent and purpose a forced march without any 
sufficient cause for thus taxing the energies of the men. Owing 
to the absence of General Xagle, Colonel Griffin, of the Sixth 
New Hampshire, as senior officer, succeeded to the command. 
What can have been his motive, I cannot, to this day, understand. 
As 1 look back and recall the sufferings of the men on that march 
I cannot but think it was an act of cruelty. Had an emergency 
existed which required the men to be at a given place at a given 
time, they would have cheerfully undergone any hardship to have 
reached the position. Captain Allen and myself, so spent that 
we could hardly get one foot before the other, as the twilight 
was giving way to darkness, looked about us and found we had 
no command. Seeing a house near by we concluded we would, 
at the risk of being court-martialed, spend the night there, if 
they would take us in. We found the people hospitably inclined. 
They gave us a good supper and a good sweet bed to sleep in. We 
arose early in the morning, partook of an inviting breakfast and 
hurried to camp, which was fortunately not far away, in a beau- 
tiful grove just beyond Winchester, much like the one we had 



190 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

left in Lexington. We found the people very hospitable about 
here, and a strong Union sentiment pervading the community. 
The country through which we had marched was a portion of the 
far-famed blue grass region. It is truly a country flowing with 
milk and honey. We lived on the fat of the land, — I mean those 
who had the wherewithal to buy. The rations supplied by the 
quartermaster's department were the same old pork and hard- 
tack, which forms the soldier's chief bill of fare. 

If I relate to you the experiences of one of the lieutenants of 
the regiment with Kentucky greased lightning, I pray you "Tell 
it not in Gath, and publish it not in the streets of Askelon." 
Confident that you will treat it as a family secret, I will relate 
something of the experiences of this victim to the stealthy po- 
tency of Kentucky's favorite if not famous product. 

This lieutenant, among whose raven locks were then mingled 
no silver threads, and whose eyes required no aid from the op- 
tician's skill, having been detailed on picket duty, was posted 
out on the Boonesboro road, about two miles from the camp 
near Winchester. Late in the evening the lieutenant, who 
was on the alert to discover any lurking enemy, hearing a 
suspicious noise over the fence on the opposite side of the 
road, called the attention of the guard to it, who, after 
listening a moment, declared that he was mistaken, that 
there was nothing there more than some stray razor-back. But 
presently the quick ear of the lieutenant caught the cautious foot- 
fall of some one approaching and called upon the guard to chal- 
lenge, whereupon, through the fence, came these words, in a 
scared, faint voice: "Dars only one ob us Marsa!" The lieu- 
tenant ordered him to get right over the fence, which he did in 
double-quick time. Much to the joy of the boys he had a basket 
well-laden with delicious fried chicken, baked chicken, biscuits 
spread with sweet rosy butter, pies, cakes, and, snugly sand- 
wiched in between these appetizing good things, was a quart bot- 
tle of rich, amber-colored liquid, which is at once the joy and 
pride of the native dwellers in the Blue Grass regions of Ken- 
tucky. 

It is hardly necessary to add that the lieutenant as a military 
precaution to avoid demoralization among his command, at once 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 191 

took steps to confiscate the commissary stores, but generously 
permitted the men to take possession of the eatables. 

The darkey was suitably rewarded and departed into the thick 
darkness of the night, the whites of his eyes and teeth only being 
visible as he turned his sable face towards the men and joyously 
cried: ''Good night, Marsa!" 

The lieutenant, chilled by the cold night wind and impatient 
to sample the subtle contents of his treasure, drew the cork and 
took a long and hearty pull at the inspiration contained therein. 
He could feel its seductive influence spreading through his veins 
and mounting in exhilarating volume to his brain. He ceased to 
wonder that the Blue Grass country is the elysium of the true- 
born Kentuckian. At break of day he took another gentle pull, 
and, before he returned to camp, the other one seemed so 
delicious in flavor, so transporting, and so entirely free from the 
crude harshness which we are told characterizes the ordinary 
tanglefoot, that, unsuspectingly, he raised the insidious enemy 
of human hopes and ambitions, and, gluing his lips to the con- 
venient aperture provided therefor, permitted the subtle fluid, to 
the music of its unctuous gurgle, to trickle in titillating volume 
down his thirsty esophagus, and flood the vacant regions of his 
inner man. 

He returned to camp with his command but he did not march. 
His feet, like Mercury's, were winged. They spurned the sor- 
did earth. He was borne in an ecstasy of delicious enchantment 
among the clouds. He alighted in camp and was dismissed with 
the command. Having been on duty during the previous night 
he was entitled to a day off, but he was in no mood for further 
recreation. He was beginning to feel that temporary retirement 
was the most appropriate condition to assume that he might pre- 
pare for the recoil of the electric motor with which he had un- 
suspectingly monkeyed. It is a very grand and a very impres- 
sive spectacle to behold the lightnings leaping and flashing among 
the clouds, but one needs to be extremely cautious how he loads 
up with bottled extract of trolley wire thunderbolts. It is said 
that death does not result from an electrical discharge, but thai 
it only causes a suspension of animation, while there are onau- 
thenticated traditions that Kentuckians have, in the use of their 



192 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

native beverage, relapsed into semi-unconsciousness, yet the 
record is overburdened with instances of inhabitants of this de- 
lectable country becoming so charged as to become a flaming 
lightning stroke. Our lieutenant suffered nothing more serious 
than a head some sizes larger than he was accustomed to wear. 
Between the throbbing aches, incident to a head suddenly en- 
larged to such proportions, he lapsed into serious reflections upon 
the vanities and vexations of human things, and then and there 
resolved that under no circumstances would he again be induced 
to fool round Kentucky greased lightning. 

As on former occasions, just as we had become wonted to our 
camp and its surroundings, and had formed pleasant acquaint- 
ances among the people, the inexorable decrees of war ordered us 
to move on. On the evening of the 16th of April we struck tents 
and swung down the Boonsboro road en route for Richmond. 
We crossed the Kentucky River at a ferry near the home of Dan- 
iel Boone, the intrepid hunter and pioneer settler of early Ken- 
tucky days. The banks of the Kentucky River at this point are 
a deep mountain gorge. We had been passing through a delight- 
ful section, without any appearance of a mountainous country, 
when we suddenly came upon the edge of a mighty canon or 
gorge, extending many hundreds of feet down to where the river 
flowed silently along in the shadows of its precipitous sides. The 
road zigzagged down to the ferry so that it was of comparatively 
easy descent. Here were two old-fashioned flatboats or scows, 
which were used for ferrying the troops over. These were pro- 
pelled across by men pushing with long poles against the bottom 
of the river which was quite shallow at this point. In disem- 
barking the teams, a number of horses and mules and some of 
their drivers fell overboard, to the great amusement of the men. 
After toiling up the cliff, which was less precipitous than on the 
opposite side, we struck out into the same beautiful country as 
that through which we had passed on the other side of the river. 
The air was fragrant with the perfume of peach blossoms and 
the freshness of verdure-clad meadows and of expanding foliage. 
We reached Richmond on the morning of the 18th, and encamped 
in another beautiful grove of giant trees, two miles from the 
town. The ground was thickly carpeted with the indigenous 
blue grass of the country. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 193 

On this ground was fought, in the August previous, the battle 
of Kichinond, in which our forces, under Generals Mason and 
Craft, were defeated by the Confederates under Kirby Smith. 
The Union forces lost 200 killed, 250 wounded, and 2,000 prison- 
ers. The Confederates lost 250 killed and 500 wounded. They 
outnumbered our troops four to one. The trees and fences bore 
the marks of the battle, and, in the cemetery near by the grave- 
stones were thickly spattered with the marks of bullets. 

Here my narrative ends, and I leave it to others to chronicle 
the wearisome marches and countermarches under a burning 
Kentucky sun, the ceaseless vigils and the hot pursuits after the 
wily Morgan, and finally the return, after nearly a year's absence 
of active service, to your homes and familiar scenes. 

The regiment may well be proud of its record. It was in al- 
most constant service during its nine months and more in the field. 
It traveled over 3,500 miles, 500 of which were on foot. When it 
marched from home it numbered near a thousand men. It re- 
turned with about seven hundred of that number. It lost in 
killed and through wounds and disease, quite two hundred and 
fifty men. 

In closing, I will, with your permission, read the following 
verses which I clipped from the Evening Press of July 22, 1863, 
and entitled : 

Welcome to the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers. 

Hail ! gallant Twelfth ! ye soldiers true ! 
With happy hearts we welcome you ! 
Once more we greet our friends so dear, 
Whose presence many a heart will cheer. 

Your flag still waves ! O, flaunt it high ! 
The flag by which to stand and die ! 
The dangers braved, our cause sustained, 
The people's honor ye have gained. 

Full many a toilsome march ye bore, 
With scanty rations oft your store ; 
But on, still on, till night brought rest, 
Then sought repose on earth's cold breast. 

For all the toils and dangers past, 
Ye shall receive reward at last; 
Peace sits enthroned above each grave, 
Where sleeps in death a soldier brave. 
13 



194 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

A prayer for those who mourn to-day 
For those whom death has borne away ; 
Whose loved one fell in bloody strife, 
Where many a hero gave his life. 

May they find comfort now in Him 
Who bids us hope when faith grows dim 
Tho' o'er their homes a gloom is cast, 
They 1 !! meet again in Heaven at last. 



PART THIRD 




Lieut. Charles M. Winchester. 



Memories and Memoranda of the Twelfth Rhode 

Island Regiment in General and 

Company B in Particular. 

By the REV. CHARLES M. WINCHESTER, 

First Sergeant, Second Lieutenant, and Clerk of Company B., and 

Special Correspondent of the Providence " Evening Press," Under 

the Editorial Management of Hon. and Rev. Sidney Dean. 



Being cordially invited to render some aid in preparing the 
history of our glorious "Trotting Twelfth" it was far easier to 
consent than to do the work, for after forty years have come and 
gone since the regiment was mustered out time has made such 
changes that one knows hardly how or where to begin or when to 
leave off. Consequently, the title I have selected gives me a sort 
of roving commission and much liberty. 

If the personal pronoun I is used frequently it must be under- 
stood as being used of necessity, and not in the sense of "Big 
I and little you.'' . . . 

Recruiting op Company B. 

When the call to arms to save the country rose with clarion 
voice that startled the whole North, the writer was bookkeeper 
and clerk in a grain and shipping house in Providence and also 
pastor of the South Providence (now St. Paul's) Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. By holding these two positions he was sometimes 
called "the priest-clerk" by his friends from the Emerald Island. 
One Sunday afternoon when the recruits were being raised that 
made up our regiment, I startled the whole congregation, then 
assembled in the hall, by making a few remarks on the need of 
patriotic men for the salvation of our glorious country in her 
hour of peril, closing with considerable earnestness ltv saying: 
"Boys, let's go ; I'll go with you." 



198 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

The next day, James M. Longstreet, afterwards captain of 
Company B, and myself, pitched a tent, close to the preaching 
place, and soon enrolled nearly all the young men of that vicin- 
ity who were capable of bearing arms. Albert W. Delanah, 
afterwards lieutenant, soon joined us and rendered valuable aid 
in inducing his friends to go with us. Shall I ever forget how 
the mothers of some of those boys came to me with hearts full 
of patriotism and maternal love, and committed their boys to 
the minister's care, exacting a promise that I would watch over 
them. 

The confidence thus exhibited was such that after all these 
years the memory of it moves deeply those God-given fountains 
of tenderness which means so much that although felt cannot 
be expressed. . . . 

After we had gleaned well our field and gathered a fine body 
of young men, a few more were needed to fill the company, and 
the number necessary was furnished from South Kingstown — 
several of them great brawny six-footers — steady, strong, and 
true, easily took the right of the line, so that in a regiment 
made of the best material, Company B was equal to the general 
average, and that is saying much for when one of the Twelfth 
thinks of his comrades, from our really great Col. George H. 
Browne — all along the line of 1,040 men — the make-up was equal 
to any regiment that ever followed the Stars and Stripes, whose 
glory has now gone around the world, sometimes making its 
stripes felt, never losing, but continually adding stars to its field 
of heavenly blue. 

Looking backward after all these years, I am confirmed in my 
opinion that three better men never officered a company than 
Captain James M. Longstreet and Lieutenants Oscar Lapham 
and Albert W. Delanah, who had the oversight of Company B in 
such good form as to win the love and confidence of all. 

Before leaving for the South, Hon. and Rev. Sidney Dean, 
editor of the Providence Evening Press, asked me to favor him 
with news of the regiment, which I tried to do, and the letters, 
although somewhat crude in style, were eagerly read by the 
friends at home, and with almost equal interest by the regiment 
when the papers reached us, as they were mailed to us every 
day, so that sometimes, when the mail caught up with us, we 
had enough to fill a peck measure, and all found plenty of 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 199 

readers. A word about the pen name under which I wrote may 
be interesting. Coming into the world in a very rural district in 
New Hampshire, my good parents generously gave all their 
twelve children three names each. Possibly to inspire me with 
genius, they fashioned my middle name after a great painter 
(of houses), Miruck. So when I wrote my first war letter I 
signed it with my middle name, but the typesetter made it read 
Mmnick, so after that I signed it that way, since the correspond- 
ent, by any name, was looked up to as a sort of saint, especially 
when the mail brought the Press, which was free for the use of 
the whole blessed regiment. Had I known as much of news- 
papers as I do now, I would easily have arranged for several 
papers to be sent daily to each company. 

The Providence Evening Press ceased to exist some years ago, 
and, as I had no copies of the letters, I was without any material 
save a memory somewhat out of repair. Recently, however, my 
son Henry found the files of the Press in the Journal office, and 
to the Journal people for their courtesy, and to Comrade Pardon 
E. Tillinghast, who had the letters copied and typewritten, I am 
under great obligations. 

After a brief camp experience on Dexter Training Ground 
the time came to say "Good-bye." Since the war many of us 
learned to sing a new song: "We'll never say good-bye in 
Heaven"; but when the Twelfth left for the seat of war there 
were many good-byes said that will last till the meeting with 
the loved ones, "Over there, just over there." Fathers, mothers, 
brothers, sisters, wives, and sweethearts pressed the hand and 
kissed tear-washed faces, and embraced the dear forms that 
were "more precious than gold tried in the fire," and then the 
fast-rushing train bore us away. The first exciting experience, 
as I remember it, was when we marched through Baltimore. 
Proudly we bore ourselves, keeping such step as regulars might 
well envy, desiring to show at our best, that the reputation of 
"Little Rhody" might receive new lustre by our conduct. 

November, 1862, found us in Camp Casey, near Fairfax Sem- 
inary, Va., named after General Silas Casey, commanding our 
division of the Ninth Army Corps. The location was a charm- 
ing one, with a landscape of uncommon beauty - , with hill and 
dale and running brook, and, beyond all, our eyes could see the 



200 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Potomac, whose waters had been many times reddened with the 
patriotic blood of heroes as grand as any country ever knew. 
Directly in front of our camp, a little more than a mile dis- 
tant, was the city of Alexandria, where, when treason first 
showed its hydra-head, gallant Ellsworth, in command of the 
Zouave column, fell a noble martyr to freedom. We had many 
fine singers in the regiment, and, viewing the place where he 
gave his all for his country, we joined with heart and voice in 
the grand chorus of the song : 

Ellsworth's Avengers. 

" Strike, freemen, for the Union, 
Sheathe your swords no more, 
While in arms remains a traitor, 
On Columbia's shore. 1 ' 

At Camp Casey we had our first regular post office, with good 
Chaplain Field as postmaster and Willie Clarke assistant. They 
often handled seven hundred or more pieces of mail in a day. 

While encamped here, in company with a certain quartermas- 
ter-sergeant I spent a Saturday night at a genuine fancy (col- 
ored) dress ball. It was held in a regular "Uncle Tom's Cabin." 
Seated on a table in one corner of the room was a fine specimeii 
of the Southern contraband, and such music as he sawed out of 
that old fiddle made you cry and laugh all at one time. Some 
twenty or more of the swell belles and beaux — the ladies, at 
least some of them, had gay calico dresses cut decollete, and the 
gentlemen — well, I won't undertake to describe them, but I 
think they were in evening dress. The dancing, — how they did 
break it down. I remember the words and music of one of the 
songs they sang, keeping time with hands, feet, heads, every- 
thing. It went like this: 

" Kow Mr. Caney, row, 
Row Mr. Caney, row, 
Er-row, er-row, 
Row Mr. Caney, row." 

It was simply great, and never to be forgotten. Imagine the 
feelings, if you can, that came over me years after as, in an 
entertainment in New York city, some "burnt cork" artists 
danced a real "Virginny" breakdown and sang: 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 201 

" Row Mr. Caney, row, 
Er-row, er-row. 11 

From the ridiculous to the sublime is not far, and the next 
day being Sunday, in the evening we attended a prayer-meeting 
in the same cabin. It was more ridiculous than sublime, at 
least one part of it. After the leading spirits had exercised 
their gifts, exhorted and testified, there was a long pause. When 
it got pretty tedious, one of the queerest specimens of the de- 
scendants of Ham imaginable rose to the occasion and delivered 
himself of this chunk of wisdom : "If I 'fessed what some of 
you 'fess I would say something; but as I don't 'fess nothing, 
I won't say nothing." It came as near making me "snicker" as 
when on a certain occasion at an anniversary of a temperance 
society at home, where the good-souled but ignorant chaplain 
(a white brother) prayed "Lord bless us on this Second Anni- 
versity," as he warmed up. Again and again he prayed, each 
time more fervently, about the "Second Anniversity." A friend 
of my boyhood, now an honored citizen of Providence, who was 
with me that night in meeting, smiled till he cried. He will 
laugh and cry again at this recital of the long time ago. 

Did anything ever go straighter to our hearts than the first 
funeral in the regiment? George E. Richardson, of Company 
B, a good boy, a genial comrade, son of fond parents, fell a vic- 
tim to fever, and his dear spirit went to the God who gave it. 
We formed the funeral procession and marched slowly and sadly 
to the tune "Buoying Waters," played by one or more fifes, while 
the snare drum, muffled, sounded more doleful than any sound 
that ever filled our ears. On to a quiet resting-place, where a 
grave had been prepared, we bore George, and, after a few words 
and a prayer by the chaplain, we lowered him into the lonely 
grave to sleep alone, with only the angels to keep watch. The 
march back to camp to the rollicking tune, "The girl I left be- 
hind me," jarred harshly on our nerves, but we soon learned that 
we were following a custom intended to make ns forget, if pos- 
sible, the sadness, which is bad enough at home, surrounded with 
the loved ones, but is more intense when in the enemy's country. 



202 history of the twelfth regiment 

Fredericksburg. 

Passing over many interesting events, let me take my readers 
to camp in front of Fredericksburg. It is December, 1862. We 
are on a hill that slopes gently to the Rappahannock, and across 
the little stream is soon to be a slaughter almost unparalleled 
for its extent and the ferocity with which both sides will combat 
for cherished principles — the North for union, the South for 
state rights and secession. 

After forty years, it is well that both sides see in each other 
heroic devotion, according to the light of each. Had we of the 
Twelfth been born south of Mason and Dixon's line, our view- 
point would have been as the large majority of the South found 
theirs. 

Dec. 12, 1862, we were in readiness to cross the pontoon 
bridges, which were completed only the day before, owing to 
the delay in forwarding them from Washington caused by a 
misunderstanding as to who was to attend to the shipment of 
boats and material necessary. General Burnside and his subor- 
dinate officers agreed that had the pontoons arrived sooner, the 
well-laid plans would have secured a great victory instead of 
the awful defeat, for had our army been able to get on the south 
side of the Rappahannock before Lee concentrated the Confed- 
erate forces there, we should have had no trouble in securing 
control of the city and Marye's Hill. The laying of the three 
pontoons at the front of the city, and two where Franklin was 
to cross two miles below, cost the Union army three hundred 
brave men. Many of our comrades may not have heard of the 
gallantry of a little Michigan drummer boy in connection with 
the building of the pontoon bridges. His name was Robert H. 
Hendershot. He was twelve years old. On the 11th day of 
December, 1862, when volunteers were called for to cross the 
river in the open pontoon boats to drive back the Mississippi 
sharpshooters who made it impossible for the engineers to finish 
the pontoons, slinging his drum over his back, this little 
patriot volunteered, and jumped into one of the boats. His 
captain ordered him back, saying, "You are too small for such 
work." "May I help push off the boat?" said Robert. '"Yes," 
said the captain, and, clinging to the boat he let it drag him 
across the stream. Many of the men in the boat were killed, 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 203 

and, as the brave boy climbed the bank, his drum was torn to 
pieces by a piece of shell. Undaunted he seized a musket be- 
longing to one of his dead companions and fought bravely with 
the rest of the survivors, who drove the sharpshooters from cover 
and captured nearly one hundred of them. 

Burnside gave the boy great honor, and the New York Tribune 
Association gave him a splendid new drum, and the proprietor 
of Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., gave him 
a home and a fine education. 

While waiting for our turn to come to cross, we saw a regi- 
ment march on to the bridge, with flying colors, its band play 
ing. When they neared the middle of the bridge a shower of 
shot and shell from the batteries on Marye's Hill sent them 
across the bridge "double-quick," the band meanwhile forgetting 
to finish the tune. 

Since coming to Middletown, I learned that the regiment re- 
ferred to was the glorious One Hundred and Twenty-fourth New 
York ("Orange Blossoms"), and in the more than twenty-five 
years that I have met those comrades in Grand Army of the Re- 
public and other veteran associations, and on Memorial Days, 
the warm side of my heart for veterans in general has encircled 
more firmly the "Orange Blossoms" in particular. 

The Twelfth crossed the pontoons in good form, and we had 
only just reached the other side when we saw the first dead 
rebels lying on the bank in their faded coats of gray. It was a 
gruesome sight, but war is not a pleasure excursion, as we soon 
found out in the death-trap set for us by our gallant and in- 
trepid foe, General Lee. Once in the streets of Fredericksburg, 
we discovered what work of destruction our batteries on Stafford 
Heights had wrought, for, on the previous day, our Burnside 
had ordered them to open fire on the city, and batter it down if 
necessary in order to make way for us to cross. More than 
one hundred great cannon had fired fifty rounds each, shattering 
many fine buildings and setting the city on fire in several places. 
The ruins were still smoking, the streets were filled with hastily 
removed furniture and merchandise of every kind. The inhabi- 
tants had fled, the desolation was complete. But for the stern 
necessities of war, the thoughts of those broken-up homes, with 
all that such thoughts embraced, would be indeed heartbreaking. 
But a soldier's business is obedience, and no time or space must 



204 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

be given to pity for our enemies, till they are subdued or we are 
defeated. 

We slept that night on the stone sidewalks of Fredericksburg, 
on which there was a slight covering of snow, expecting that 
any moment we might be roused from our sweet dreams of home 
to try conclusions with eighty thousand of the choice sons of 
the South, who, added to the fact that they occupied an almost 
impregnable position, realized that behind them were all the 
loved of earth calling for protection. Under all the circum- 
stances, although we of the North counted one hundred thousand 
under Sumner, Franklin, and Hooker, so great were the odds 
against us that it was in reality as if the Confederates had ten 
men to our one. 

On the morning of the 13th our regiment was formed in line 
of battle in one of the principal streets of the city, with orders 
to advance in as good order as possible through dooryards and* 
cross-streets until we were outside the limits, then to pro- 
tect ourselves under banks or behind fences or whatever 
shelter we could find until we received orders to advance 
to the battlefield directly in front of us. The order was 
strictly obeyed, and the Twelfth marched with promptness 
unsurpassed by old regulars as near the the place desig- 
nated as the many obstacles would permit. I well remem- 
ber, as we went through the old railroad bed, how the guns on 
the hill threw shot and shell, pieces of railroad iron, and "any 
old thing," with a carelessness that we little relished. A shot 
struck the haversack of one of the big six-footers just behind me 
at the right of Company B, emptying all the rations on the 
ground and saving the comrade's life at the same time. As we 
marched steadily on, I heard him remark, without a quiver in 
his deep-toned voice, "I wish you'd leave me some of my hard- 
tack." 

We got outside the city at last, but when the order to advance 
was given, only a few companies knew anything of the fact, the 
regimental line being broken. Learning that the right of the 
regiment had advanced, Captains Longstreet and Rogers held a 
consultation, and decided that to advance farther in that direc- 
tion would only be throwing their men's lives away to no pur- 
pose, and so ordered us to lie djwn under cover of a slight bank. 
Here I saw some of the most sad scenes of my whole life; over 








•fc! 




RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 205 

us and falling all around us was a perfect storm of shot, shell, 
bullets, shell, bullets, and railroad iron, screeching, screaming, 
whizzing, tearing the ground and wounding, maiming, and kill- 
ing many, who, unable to fire a musket, were good targets for 
the enemy's engines of destruction. Just as we reached this 
spot, Gen. Thomas Francis Meagher, at the head of his brigade, 
composed chiefly of Irish regiments, rushed by like a hurricane 
let loose, and I heard the brave general, with voice like one "mad 
clear through," shout above the noise of the battle, "Go in, hoys, 
and give 'em hell!" 

Time after time did this enthusiastic leader of the boys who 
sang "Wearing of the Green," hurl his famous regiments against 
the force of rebels at the stone wall without success, until two- 
thirds of his men covered the field, wounded, bleeding, dying. . . . 

Some idea of the position occupied by the portion of the 
Twelfth who were under fire but could not return it, may be 
gathered when I saw that all about us were mingled the dead 
the dying. One poor fellow lay just beside me with one arm 
shot nearly off. Such agony as he endured! He begged for 
water to quench the burning thirst which seemed as if taking 
his very life. Thank God, my canteen was not empty, and I put 
it to his lips and for a brief time gave him a little rest. Brave 
men came from the field wounded, seeking a place of shelter, 
and when near us a rebel shot or shell would strike them to 
the earth, shattered and mangled beyond recognition. I saw 
one wounded comrade here trying to find a place of safety, when 
a ball struck him, and as he fell I heard him cry: "Oh, God! 
Some one take care of my wife and children !" 

A great general once said, "War is Hell !" The experience of 
Dec. 13, 1862, confirms me in his statement. 

As night came on we found our way back to the city street, 
where we had lain on our arms the previous night. That any of 
us were left to tell the story was not the fault of the Confed- 
erates on Marye's Hill, for they speeded the parting with a tor- 
nado of shot and shell, not forgetting the chunks of iron rails, 
that made a whizzing noise not yet forgotten. 

We did not exactly "beat a hasty retreat," but we did not 
take any more time than needful to get out of such careless use 
of firearms. It was at this time that, among others, Billy 



206 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Mason, of Company B, received a mortal wound. He was car- 
ried to the hospital, and we were never able to find a trace of 
him afterwards. Poor Billy! He was full of fun, and bubbled 
over with quaint sayings like this: 

"John me mon, me money's all gone 
Me purse hangs on the breer, 
And if thee don't give me me mony again, 
I'll hit the box on the ear." 

I have often thought of the thousands of brave men who, like 
Billy Mason, died at such a time as he, when the army was de- 
feated and retreating, with no opportunity to learn when they 
died or where they were buried. I often feel like remembering 
with special tenderness of thought: 

" Those comrades, who sleep, we know not where, 
Who died we know not when, 
Their loved ones for them watch and wait, 
From early morn till evening late. 
So let us strew their memory dear 
With fragrant bloom each passing year, 
At last, some time we know not when, 
We hope to greet them all, and then, 
The when the where of the long past, 
Will turn to joy for aye to last." 

The night of the 15th of December found the men of the 
Twelfth in a field with shovels and picks, throwing up breast- 
works within a few feet of the Confederate pickets. We con- 
fidently expected in the morning to try again to take Marye's 
Hill if we died in the attempt, as thousands of our comrades 
had done in the first attack. So much were we in the dark as 
to the future, or even the present, that a large part of the army 
had crossed the river before we or our foe knew of it. When at last 
we ceased to dig, by orders from our officers, the command came to 
"Fall in !" and make as little noise as possible in marching. So, fix- 
ing our tin cups and plates so they would not make their usual 
music, we marched silently away, we knew not whither, till we 
found ourselves on the pontoons returning to the place from 
whence we came, glad enough to get out of such a death-trap. 
The Twelfth was, as I remember, the last regiment of infantry 
to recross the pontoons in the centre. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 



207 



For several weeks we were in the vicinity of Fredericksburg, 
doing picket duty, marching and camping in mud until many 
were sick. Nearly all were black and poor in body, and 
wretched generally. 

The name given by some of our boys, "Camp between life and 
death," was so appropriate that my readers will be as glad as 
we were to leave that miserable experience behind and skip 
over to 

Newport News. 

Here we had a most delightful cainp, "beautiful for situa- 
tion," and the joy of every Rhode Islander's heart, for the ocean 
was near and the salt-laden breezes smelled of oysters, clams, 
and home, sweet home. 

With such a location, plenty of first class rations, and com- 
fortable quarters, our spirits soon revived and health came again 
to the sick, and it was not long before there was a great im- 
provement in drill, discipline, and general appearance. It 
would be hard to find a better arranged or more perfect camp 
than that enjoyed by our regiment. 

Here we began to get well acquainted with our new lieutenant- 
colonel, James Shaw, Jr. If there ever was a better officer than 
he, more capable, whole-souled and genial in every way, it has 
not been our lot to find him. A fine drillmaster, good disciplina- 
rian, a perfect gentleman, no wonder we all loved him and felt 
inspired by his presence. 

April 1, 1863, found our regiment on board the steamer Long 
Island, that is to say, all except Company B, which, for want 
of room, was on the steamer Swan, in company with the Seventh 
Rhode Island, all bound for Baltimore, and from thence where 
marching orders might assign us. 

We broke camp the previous day and embarked on the boats 
in the evening, and the moonlight sail was delightful, for a sol- 
dier's life is not all sad and dreary. Chesapeake Bay is a lovely 
body of water, almost equaling dear old Narragansett, the un- 
rivaled. Reaching Baltimore, we were ordered to take the 
Pennsylvania Railroad to Cincinnati, Ohio, then to cross the 
Ohio River into Kentucky. 

After a brief camp at Lexington, Ave left that town April 8th, 



208 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

and from nine o'clock in the morning till sunset we "hoofed" it 
twenty-three miles to Winchester, where we were glad to camp 
"any old way," for we were a weary lot in a strange land. This 
bright little city was called the "Little Massachusetts," on ac- 
count of the strong Union sentiments of the people. What's in 
a name, anyway? Well, my dear mother had twelve Winches- 
ters. Three of us enlisted and went, and I used to say that if 
all the girls had been boys and old enough to go, every mother's 
son of them would have enlisted. From this place I sent to the 
Press a small rebel flag captured by Lieutenant Bacon under 
romantic circumstances, the truth of which I do not guarantee, 
but rumor said at the time that the gallant lieutenant was at 
the home of one of those beautiful girls for which Kentucky has 
always been noted, ostensibly to get a square meal, when, seeing 
the secesh flag, he demanded its surrender. "Agreed," said the 
girl, "if you will take me with it." The lieutenant promised, 
but the rest of the romance this writer never learned. Our cam- 
paign in Kentucky took us to what seemed like the jumping-oflf 
place, the city of Jamestown, where we arrived June 23d. The 
citizens called it "Jimtown," and by that name we soon learned 
to call it. 

Time would fail me if I attempted to do justice to the beauti- 
ful scenery through which we passed, or to mention in detail the 
experiences in Somerset, Richmond, Crab Orchard, Nicholas- 
ville, Hickman's Bridge, "Paint Lick Creek," Lancaster, Stan- 
ford, and many other interesting places. 

I must not forget to mention the fact that when we reached 
Somerset, Tuesday, June 8th, we had "trotted" more than one 
hundred miles in the six days in heavy marching order, and five 
minutes after reaching camp at roll call every man of the regi- 
ment was present, but of the sore feet and lame legs my readers 
may form their own conclusions. A map of our journeyings in 
Kentucky would be a small edition of that of the children of 
Israel on their way to the promised land. Seven Jerseymen, 
friends and brethren of mine, visited me last summer, and, for 
my entertainment, they sang this expressive refrain: 

" They rambled up, 

And they rambled down, 
They rambled, 
They rambled." 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 209 

All were fine singers, and, queer as the words were, it was so 
melodious that I often find it running through my brain. 
So the Twelfth Regiment in old Kentuck : 

Rambled up, and 
Rambled down and 
Rambled back again, 

over the same roads. But the endless variety of beautiful sights 
from the Blue Grass region on over the Cumberland Mountains 
and through lovely valleys and by cooling streams, together with 
experiences gained and acquaintances formed, brings up in mem- 
ory a picture that moves as if set to a pleasant melody. 

From "Jimtown" we moved back again by easy stages (on 
foot) and reached Cincinnati, Ohio, Monday, July 13th. About 
noon we did justice to a great lunch furnished by the patriotic 
citizens, and, about three p. m v we formed in line, and with great 
joy marched, as we supposed, for the depot to take the train for 
home. But you can easily imagine our surprise when we found 
ourselves traveling up the Mount Auburn road, and just on top 
of the hill filing to the right into an open field evidently going 
into camp. Did any of the boys call somewhat angrily to any 
passing Officer: "Time's out! Time's out!" Well, I should 
smile! However, when, in a few minutes, our beloved General 
Burnside appeared on the scene and explained that our presence 
was required for a few days until the militia could be organized 
for the safety of the city, we all took in the situation and set- 
tled down to business with our accustomed cheerfulness. 

As Morgan was said to be making a pleasure excursion through 
Ohio, we really prayed that his royal highness, "horse, foot, and 
dragoon," might come our way, for we had blood in our eyes for 
the man that had led us such a hot chase, over hill and dale, 
without even a sight of his beautiful black horses. But he never 
came near, so we enjoyed a beautiful camp and made many 
choice friends, who vied with each other in providing for our 
comfort and entertainment. 

Some of us will never forget the hospitality of Rev. Erwin 
House and his wife. More delightful, genial. Christian people 
one can never wish to meet. Years after the war was over, 
Brother House, being in New York city on business, journeyed 
tc Providence to make me a short visit. Our acquaintance con- 

14 



210 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

tinued till one day I was startled with grief at the sad news 
that Rev. Erwin House fell dead as he was ascending the stairs 
to his room where he was employed in the Methodist Book Con- 
cern, Cincinnati, Ohio. A few years later, being in Cincinnati, 
I went over to Mount Auburn, and there in the very house where 
we had been entertained in war-time, met Mrs. House, sad and 
lonely without him whom her soul loved, but cheered with the 
hope of the great reunion "In the sweet bye-and-bye." 

When the excitement of Morgan's raid was over, we broke our 
last camp at Mount Auburn, and the swift iron horse hurried 
us home, where we arrived in due time and were received with 
a perfect ovation. It was a proud and happy day as we marched 
up the crowded streets thronged with patriotic citizens, and 
among them saw the forms of those we loved most and best. 

If that home-coming was glorious, as it surely was, what will 
it be when 

" We'll all gather home in the morning, 
At the sound of the great jubilee, 
We'll all gather home in the morning, 
What a gathering that will be." 

Notes. 

Here's to the health of our barber. Was there ever a whiter 
man of any race than Mr. Jefferson? 

Here's to Drum-Major Parker, genial, jolly, and, like Ben West, 
who, when sneered at as "only a drummer," said, "Didn't I drum 
well?" So we may add, yes, and made all the drummers and 
fifers "come to time." 

Here's to the sutler. How could we ever have lived or died 
without him? By the way, that reminds me of a little incident. 
One day, after the paymaster had visited us, we were sitting 
about the camp-fire and one said, "I have sent ten dollars home." 
Another said, "I have sent twenty dollars home." A young fel- 
low whom we will call Romeo sat there glum, and some one said, 
"Well, Romeo, have you sent your money home?" "Yes, to its 
long home," drawled Romeo. The sutler had got every cent of it. 

Here's to a certain company cook. I enlisted him myself; he 
was generally very obliging and well up in his business. Judge 
of my surprise when I found him one day down in "Old Virginny" 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 211 

lying flat on his back ; it was near dinner-time, and no preparation 
made for a blessed thing to eat. I went to him and with a voice 
of first sergeant authority said, "H., get up and get dinner." 
Then spoke this cooking man and said, "I can't, orderly; I'm 
dead." There he lay all that day and part of the next, dead 
enough, till a soldier who had been to Fortress Monroe returned, 
and, stooping down, put a tiny box into the hands of the dead 
cook, who had life enough left to get a little pill into his mouth, 
when he sprang to his feet and said, "What will you have, order- 
ly?" and at once resumed connection with this mundane sphere 
and attended to his duty with great cheerfulness and opium- 
induced zeal. 

Now I must make one or two confessions. I have been an 
open enemy to the "Indian weed" all my life, but — don't tell it 
out loud — I carried a pipe (a small briarwood one) with 
some tobacco in my pocket all through our campaigning. 
You see it was this way : There were a few boys that some- 
how were so improvident that they were always "short," 
and, as the pipe and smoke was their "best holt," I added 
to their comfort by bearing my cross as aforesaid and lending 
the necessary articles to enable them to make a smokehouse of 
their mouth and nose. 

Who put the pack of cards in good Chaplain Field's pocket? 
We were, as I remember, at a railroad station waiting for a train. 
Some wicked soldier took out a pack of cards and said, "rut these 
in the chaplain's pocket." It was very easily accomplished, and 
the innocent look of astonishment that spread over the worthy 
chaplain's face when later he put his hand in his pocket for his 
handkerchief, and drew out instead, "kings," "queens," "jacks," 
"aces," "deuces," "ten-spots," and the whole outfit, makes me 
smile even now as I, like G. W., rise to remark, "I did it," but 
meant no harm, for our good chaplain was worthy of all honor. 

Here's to Theodore A. Manchester. What a good boy he used 
to be in South Providence! What a fine tent-mate he was! 
What a good comrade he has proved himself, for he "saved the 
day" for me. You see, in General Lyon Post, Grand Army of 
the Republic, where I have been honored with being chaplain, 
adjutant, and commander, one comrade has for many years in- 
sisted that the writer of these notes was the onlv survivor of the 



212 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Twelfth Rhode Island. So join with me in my great joy of hav- 
ing Theodore for my guest at a meeting of Post No. 266, and 
listening, with many others, to a most interesting speech, in 
which he demonstrated that there was at least one other sur- 
vivor of the Twelfth, and that he could make a speech of no mean 
order. 

Here's to Beriah G. Browning. He rests from his labors, but 
I must pay him this tribute: He was one of the truest friends 
I have ever known, and we were clerks in the same store fifty 
years ago. He was a great practical joker, and here's one he 
played on me. We both went to an old-fashioned singing-school 
taught by Seth Sumner, and he was a good teacher. Well, of 
course, we all went with the girls, for they were the life of the 
school. I went with a fair maid a little older than myself, and 
after awhile volunteered to find her a good husband, having in 
mind an excellent young man of the right age. So one evening 
I called at her residence, and with me went her future husband. 
As he and I sat in the parlor waiting for the young lady to enter, 
a gentleman strode into the room, and, approaching me, said : 
"Is this Mr. W ?" I pleaded guilty to the "soft impeach- 
ment," whereupon he said, u You leave/' and motioned me to the 
door. I tried to ask for an explanation, but seeing the size of 
his boots, "I staid not on the order of my going," but accepted 
his invitation and went, dumbfounded at such unexpected and 
unmerited treatment. It makes me laugh till I cry to think of it 
even now. After a while it came out. The dear girl showed 
me some verses in the splendid and to me well known hand- 
writing of my friend Browning. Her father found them in her 
singing-school book and accused me of being the author. They 
were the well-known lines of Longfellow, where he says: 

" She's got a bosom white as snow, 
Take care, beware ; she's fooling thee ; 
She knows just how much 'tis best to show, 
Take care, beware ; she's fooling thee." 

After awhile explanations followed. My friend married the 
girl and made her a first-class husband. It was a healing balm 
to my wounded pride to be the reputed author, for even a short 
time, of lines written by one of our greatest American poets. 

As for Browning, it never ruffled a hair between him and me, 






RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 213 

and when we both went in the Twelfth we were mutually glad 
for such companionship. 

Oh ! the father of the girl learned his mistake, but his daughter 
said he was too proud ever to acknowledge an error, and I was 
of that mould never to hold a grudge, and so this little true story 
illumines the pages of our history. 

Here's to the rebs that stole the mail-bag that had my lieuten- 
ant's commission in it. By that act they did me out of between 
one and two hundred dollars that would come very handy to 
buy copies of this book for my brothers and sisters, children and 
grandchildren, the list of such now numbering twenty! 

When our time of service as a regiment was ended and we 
were mustered out. how readily we conformed to the new condi- 
tions ! Some of us returned to our former positions, some to 
equally good or better ones, and it is not too much to say that, 
all in all, the men that made up the Twelfth Rhode Island have 
been a credit to their home State and the country at large, and 
have received their due share of public and private honors. It 
is the hope and belief of the writer that in our country, to 
which we gave our best service, we shall continue to be in the 
future, as in the past, so loyal, so true., so patriotic and so faith- 
ful to every duty, that when the silent messenger chills the warm 
heart's blood, now so full of good cheer, we may lie down to rest 
with peace in our souls toward God and all mankind, to await 
the soon-coming summons to "Fall in !" for the grand review, 
where war shall be no more. 



PERSONAL REMINISCENCES. 



By THEODORE A. MANCHESTER. 



A boy of seventeen, a soldier in the greatest war of modern 
times ! 

In September, 1862, I enlisted, signing the roll in a tent pre- 
sided over by Charles M. Winchester and Albert W. Delanah, 
who subsequently became respectively, orderly sergeant and sec- 
ond lieutenant, and still later second and first lieutenants of 
Company B, Twelfth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, of 
which I became a member. 

Fully one-third of Company B were under twenty years of age. 
Parents' consent was a prerequisite to the enlistment of minors, 
and I well remember the struggle I had to get my father's con- 
sent. I only obtained it through the intercession of my dear old 
grandmother. 

The life in Camp Stevens, on Dexter Training Ground, was to 
me so strange that no incident passed unnoticed. Tossing men 
in blankets and other kinds of "horse play," and the thousand 
and one things that men released from the restraints of home life 
indulged in, were generally looked upon by me from a safe dis- 
tance. 

The days were crowded full of action. After being a short 
time in camp I learned to run the guard, and every evening when 
not on duty I was at home until late at night. 

Entering camp at midnight was a different performance, how- 
ever, from going out. We stealthily entered from between build- 
ings on the west of the camp, and were generally over the line 
before the guard was aware of our presence ; but we were always 
promptly chased to our quarters, and when the pursuing guard 
(from the guardhouse) arrived at our tent, everything was quiet 
and we were all fast asleep. 




Theodore A. Manchester. 
(From a recent picture.) 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 215 

Those pleasant autumn days in camp were enjoyed by the 
young soldiers in a rational way, as they, as a rule, had come 
from good homes and had not acquired the deliberate recklessness 
of older men. We then little dreamed of the long, weary 
marches, where exhausted men fell by the wayside, or toiled on 
with grim faces and set teeth, with blistered feet and shoulders 
galled by knapsacks and heavy muskets. 

The day when we were mustered into "Uncle Sam's" service 
rain fell in torrents, and Company B was assembled in the loft 
of a stable. Two or three boys were thrown out as being too 
young. I was in the rear rank, and, as the mustering officer was 
passing, he halted, looked at me, started on, and, hesitating, 
turned for a second look. I never wavered from "eyes straight 
to the front," and he finally walked on, apparently satisfied that 
I was all right. 

I well remember the first time I was detailed for guard duty. 
My beat was near the cookhouse, and, when the officer of the 
guard, Lieutenant Lapham, of Company B, made the rounds that 
night, he was in more danger of being bayoneted by the young 
soldier who was determined to do his full duty than he probably 
imagined. 

I was in the trenches one day near our camp, doing my part in 
throwing up some breastworks, when Lewis J. Matteson, of Com- 
pany B, had a pick driven through his hand by Charles H. An- 
drews, of the same company. We were very much crowded in the 
trench, and when Matteson threw back his hand the pick came 
down and was driven through the hand, taking a piece oft of the 
handle of the shovel, the point of the pick being driven into the 
wood fully half an inch. That severe wound kept him from tak- 
ing part in the battle of Fredericksburg. 

On one occasion the regiment was on picket duty, when my 
beat extended down a hill to a little stream which crossed the 
beat near its end. At one time, when I came down to the stream, 
I failed to find the picket who should have met me there. I lis- 
tened intently and detected a sound as of some one snoring, and, 
by following the direction thereof, I found this picket propped 
up against a tree, fast asleep. I awoke him, but, owing to his 
extreme weariness, I had to repeat the operation several times 
before we were relieved. 



216 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

One night when on picket duty, an advance post had been sent 
out from the main body and I happened to be with this detach- 
ment. There was a good deal of noise being made by the trains 
on the railroad a short distance away in our front, when word 
came back to us that guerillas were at work near the railroad, 
and I was detailed to carry word to that effect back to the grand 
guard, which was encamped about a mile in our rear. I did not 
relish the work, but started. Did I keep in the middle of the 
road and scan every foot of the way? Well, I should say I did. 
The night was dark and the road little more than a cart-path. 
When I approached the little stream that at one point crossed the 
road, I heard its murnrariD? long before I reached it, and was 
a long time making up my mind just what the noise was. I ap- 
proached it stealthily and at last concluded it was safe to proceed. 
I had my musket ready, hammer thrown back to full cock, and 
woe betide any living thing that might have been unfortunate 
enough to cross my path during that lonely walk. I reached the 
grand guard at last, made my report and returned to my post 
without a mishap. To one whose life had been spent in a city, 
that tramp along the lonely country road, under the circum- 
stances, was anything but a pleasure trip. 

Company B had many musical comrades and the evenings were 
passed pleasantly in song, and the time at Camp Casey was thus 
relieved of the monotony attendant on camp life. I knew little 
of what was being done in other companies of the regiment, as 
1 kept to quarters very closelv. The first day of December we 
were on the march through Washington and across Eastern 
Branch to Uniontown, where we lay down with only our blankets 
for shelter. An old soldier had said to me, "Take off your shoes 
when you get under your blanket and you will never have cold 
feet." I followed his advice then and ever after, and found it 
the better plan. When I awoke the morning was beautifully 
bright and clear, and the dome of the Capitol, a short distance 
away, was glistening in the sunlight. White frost covered all 
exposed objects, and, melting under the influence of a warm sun, 
our blankets were soon wet, which added weight to the load we 
were obliged to carry. 

Company B was in its regular position on the left of the line 
during the march of the second day. There had been some loss 
of distance and some straggling, and, at dusk, a small party, of 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 217 

which I was one, came to an estate on the left of the road, where 
the hedges were afire, whether by the act of some vandal or by 
accident I did not know. The women of the place were all down 
near the road, highly excited and nervously crying and wringing 
their hands, begging our men to extinguish the fire before it 
reached the buildings. Company B was badly broken up, and 
I, personally, did not see what assistance I could render, so hur- 
ried on to join the main body of the regiment. It was a sad 
scene, and one which 1 have lived over in my mind many, many 
times since that night in Maryland. When we encamped in the 
snow, on Friday evening, we were wet and covered with mud. 
The march of the day had been fearfully trying. Besides the 
rain and snow that fell to wet us and add pounds of extra weight 
for us to carry, the road was churned into a sea of mud, and the 
left of the line had "all that was coming to them." Company 
B was in the woods, where the brush had been cut and lay to the 
depth of several inches. We scraped the snow from the brush 
and started a fire. Rice was put on to boil by our company 
cooks, and, having no salt, "salt horse'" was put into the kettles 
with it, thus furnishing seasoning for the rice. 

Towards midnight the weather became very cold and the full 
moon was shining from a cloudless sky. The surface of the wet 
snow was an ice crust at the time, and I, in company with several 
of my comrades, was prowling about a short distance from camp, 
when we came across a persimmon tree in the cattle enclosure of 
a farmer. The tree was loaded with the ripe and frozen fruit. 
We filled our haversacks and went back to camp and crawled 
between our blankets. The next morning, under the influence of 
our camp-fire, the fruit had softened into a solid mass, losing all 
semblance of individual form, and besmearing the lining of our 
haversacks with the brown and sticky substance. I ate my fill 
and have never hankered for persimmons since. 

1 shall never forget the cold and discomfort of that afternoon 
at Liverpool Landing. The orders were ''not to forage on the 
loyal citizens of Maryland," and the order was obeyed until pa- 
tience ceased to be a virtue, when the boys ''made a break" for the 
fences, and we soon had a fire of rails as large as an ordinary 
rottage. Company B crossed the river on a coal barge which 
was towed to Acquia Creek landing by a small steamer. The 



218 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

wind which swept down the river was as keen as the edge of a 
knife, and, when we arrived at the landing, I was thoroughly 
chilled. The night was very dark and we stumbled along the 
road to that camp of horrors, afterwards known as "Camp 
Smoke." 

Two days' marching from here brought us to our camp on the 
snow-covered ground near Fredericksburg. The next morning 
we marched out a mile from camp and lay on our arms all day 
while the city and the rebel works beyond were being shelled. 
That morning I, for the first time, saw a wounded man just from 
the front. He was on an artillery caisson which had come to 
the rear for ammunition. A shot or shell had passed between 
his body and left arm, tearing a great hole in his side and the 
flesh from his arm. A stretcher was hastily taken from an am- 
bulance and the wounded man laid on the clean white canvas, 
which in an instant was crimson with his blood. I well remem- 
ber with what horror I viewed the transformation, and with 
soberness, akin to fear, I thought of what the future might have 
in store for me. I thought of home and the dear ones there, and 
a great pity for them, rather than for myself, came over me at the 
possibility of such a mishap. Friday morning a ration of 
whiskey was issued to the men. The young soldiers, who did not 
drink whiskey, were urgently solicited to draw their ration, 
which in most instances they did and some obtained more than 
was good for them. 

That day we entered the city, and, as we marched down the ra- 
vine near the Lacy House, the Confederate shells were cutting 
the branches from the trees under which we were marching in 
column of fours, and they were raining down upon us as we were 
making our way through the ravine which opened upon the river. 
"Head of column to the right," was the order, and, after a short 
distance along the edge of the river to the left, we were on the 
pontoon bridge and crossing the river. 

While lying on the street facing the river many exciting inci- 
dents occurred. One was when a shell came screaming over the 
bluff and two men of the Sixth New Hampshire swung out of 
line, with a half step to the rear, as it hurled itself (fortunately 
without exploding), just where they stood. 

I watched the soldiers fishing boxes of tobacco out of the 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 219 

river, and, breaking them open, distributing the contents among 
the men. 

At one time a regiment, in column of fours, with its field officers 
mounted, was seen marching toward the brink of the steep bluff 
across the river, as if making for the pontoon bridge beneath 
them. A band at their head was playing the air of one of the 
popular songs of the day, whose refrain was. "Bully for you ! 
bully for you!" At the instant the right of the regiment reached 
the very crest of the hill a shell from the Confederate works went 
screeching over the river and fell in the midst of the first com- 
pany. Almost in the twinkling of an eye it seemed to me, of 
that long line there was not a man in sight, except five human 
forms that lay stretched upon the ground, where but a moment 
before had been the proudly marching regiment. As if by magic, 
there flashed along our line, the' expressed belief, "That is the 
Eleventh Khode Island." But being denied, the impression pre- 
vailed that it was the Eleventh New Hampshire. I so believed 
until one evening, years afterwards, when I was relating the in- 
cident before a reunion of the New Hampshire veterans, when a 
gentleman from Manchester, N. H., Jenkins by name, got upon 
his feet and holding his maimed right hand said : "This is the 
effect of that shell falling in the ranks of the Sixth New Hamp- 
shire." His brother, a member of the same regiment, but at that 
time chief of police of Manchester, also told the same story from 
his point of view. 

A battery off to our right, opposite Falmouth, had our range, 
but apparently could not depress their pieces enough to harm us. 
We would watch the hill, and, seeing a puff of smoke, in an in- 
stant would hear the report of the gun, and then the shell would 
go screaming over our heads. We lay low until the shell went 
over and then would straighten up again. Captain Longstreet 
was pacing back and forth on an exposed place on the highest 
ground, in plain view of Cobb's men, who were in the sunken road 
behind the stone wall in front of Marye's Heights. It was here 
I received a crushing blow on the head which staggered me. I 
imagined some clumsy fellow had stumbled and as he fell threw 
his musket from his shoulder, striking me on the head. When I 
collected myself and looked around, the nearest man to me, ex- 
cept the two dead men at my feet, was not within six or eight 



220 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

feet. I picked my cap from the ground, where it had fallen, and 
found a bullet hole through it. My hair was very heavy and 
thick and I imagine the bullet, coming at the proper angle, 
glanced from it, thus saving me from a bad scalp wound, if 
nothing more serious. A step onto lower ground, which I had 
taken at that instant, had been an important factor in saving 
me from death by a bullet through the head. It was one of those 
"close calls" that I had seen many instances of that day. 

One member of Company B had a bullet strike the lower cor- 
ner of his haversack, tearing the corner off and breaking in its 
course the corner of ever} 7 hard-tack but the last, against which 
it stopped and fell flattened to the ground. A wound in the 
groin would have been the result if the haversack had not been 
hanging partially in front of him. When he heard the bullet 
strike, his face was ashen pale, and he imagined he was wounded 
until I indicated the bullet at his feet. He picked the bullet up 
and soon recovered from his fright. 

As we neared the stone wall, Meagher's men of the "Irish 
Brigade" were coming out, singly and in small groups. The 
ground was strewn with their dead and wounded. The bat- 
teries from summit to base of Marye's Hill were sending grape 
and canister into our ranks, and the riflemen, behind the stone 
wall, were sweeping the plain, across which our men were swarm- 
ing. The Twelfth Rhode Island left some of their men among 
the dead of the "Irish Brigade" at this point. 

As we were coming out, just at dusk, we were crossing an open 
space, when Bill Mason, of B Company, was struck in the groin 
by a bullet. I was near him and will ever remember the sound 
that bullet made as it struck him. A hole in his overcoat in- 
dicated where it had entered his body. We helped him off the 
field, leaving him at one of the improvised hospitals in the city. 
He has never been seen or heard from since, and is, undoubtedly, 
one of the thirteen thousand unknown dead who sleep their last 
sleep in the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. 

The night was dark and the Confederates were sending shell 
down the streets that led from the direction of their works to the 
river. The army was in confusion and the Twelfth Regiment 
was, for the time being, hopelessly scattered. I found a few of 
the men, but I don't remember where I slept that night. While 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 221 

making coffee, a shell struck in the centre of the little camp-fire, 
scattering tin cups and blazing embers, while the men simply 
"went," taking no thought on the order of their going. For- 
tunately, the shell did not explode and no one was injured. 

Sunday, the 14th, was cloudy and foggy. I went out to the edge 
of the town and looked over the field. Several Union regiments 
were lying in the depressions out of sight of the Confederates. 
The day passed quietly except for the noise from the continuous 
line of ambulances along the streets leading to the bridges, 
carrying our wounded over the river. I found a friend from the 
Seventh Rhode Island lying in one of the churches, with a bullet 
wound in the cheek. A broken jaw and loss of teeth was the 
immediate result of the wound, while consumption and death a 
few years later was the final. After the war I saw very much 
of him. He was an Englishman, but was naturalized, and served 
in the army while his health lasted. 1 never heard one word of 
complaint from him in reference to his adopted country, and he 
was very proud of his record in the army of the Union. 

Monday night, I, with several companions, slept in the base- 
ment of one of the dwellings that fronted on Princess Ann Street. 
We had beans and pork for supper. We invited several officers 
in to our feast. 

When the regiment moved out onto the field that night we 
were overlooked. I remember two of the party were from Com- 
pany B and two were from Company D. Tuesday morning I 
was awakened by some one rushing down stairs from the street 
floor, and in an excited manner shouting : "The army has evac- 
uated the city and rebel cavalry is in front of the house!" One 
of the men who had been with us during the night gathered his 
clothes and shoes in his arms and rushed out of the basement 
door towards the river. Most of the party, however, stopped 
long enough to dress, for, as in my own case, they felt it would 
be better to be fully dressed if we were to receive callers. We 
had no time for breakfast that morning. When we started out 
we found the morning damp and disagreeable. Rain had fallen 
during the night and the mud was very much in evidence. We 
hurried through the yard, and, by way of a vacant lot, to the 
street back of the house. My companion stopped to tafetf a 
blanket off a knapsack marked "Fifty-ninth New York." As we 



222 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

passed through on our way to the street, citizens were seen here 
and there, with their heads out of the open windows, watching 
the few soldiers who were straggling toward the pontoon bridges. 
I only remember one of my companions of that night being with 
me at this time. As we stepped upon the pontoon bridge, we 
saw Chaplain Field on the bridge a short distance ahead of us. 
The engineers had just commenced to take up the planking of the 
bridge, and if we had been a few minutes later we should have 
experienced some difficulty in crossing. We found the regiment 
at or near the old camp. It was raining at the time and we were 
covered with mud. I don't remember when we broke our fast, 
but it could hardly have been much before noon. That was the 
only time during our service that I was away from the regiment 
for so long a time without leave. » 




Edward F. Gurry. 

(From !i recent picture.) 



REMINISCENCES. 

By EDWARD F. GURRY. 



Comrade Edward F. Gurry, who was severely wounded at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, relates his experience as follows: 

"I crossed the river with the 'boys' on the 12th of December 
and went into action on the 13th. I was wounded early in the 
engagement, just after coming out of the 'Railroad Cut,' and 
again in the afternoon while lying on the battlefield. 

"I little expected to leave the field alive, and that I was for- 
tunate in doing so I only too fully realize. One can imagine my 
feelings as I lay there during the night of the 13th and all of 
the following day, with the dead and dying around me; and, to 
make my situation more distressing, a cold, drizzling rain came on 
during the night of the 13th, followed by much colder weather. 

"My clothes, saturated with the rain and blood, greatly aggra- 
vated my wounds, which became much more painful, while the 
increasing bitter cold added also to my misery. On the after- 
noon of the 13th a Pennsylvania regiment made a charge across 
the field, but was forced back with heavy loss, literally cut to 
pieces. I recognized them as Pennsylvanians from the well- 
known 'Buck Tails' worn in their hats. 

"As I was lying almost directly in their path, during a cessa- 
tion of Confederate firing, I put forth all my remaining strength 
and managed to crawl outside their line of advance and to a 
more sheltered locality before they came upon me. Here I rested 
until taken off the field. The spot, 1 remember, was but a short 
distance from the historic 'Brick House.' 

"During the action, the major of the Pennsylvania regiment 
referred to was killed and fell a short distance from me. On 
Sunday, the 14th, early in the evening, I noticed some of the 
members of his regiment crawling near me in search of their 
major. Finding him dead, they gathered up his equipments, and, 



224 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

as they were about to leave, I made Dry presence known, observ- 
ing which they rolled me upon their stretcher and I was taken 
from the field. 

"This undertaking was fraught with great difficulty and dan- 
ger, as my rescuers had to practically crawl away, dragging me 
between them, as the rebel bullets could still be heard around us 
when any noise or movement in our vicinity attracted their at- 
tention. 

"We were enabled to finally reach the city, from which place 
I was later brought across the river and carried to Mount 
Pleasant Hospital, Washington, D. 0. I remained in the hos- 
pital two months, cared for by the kind Sisters of Mercy, whom 
I shall ever hold in grateful remembrance, about the end of 
which time I was relieved of a bullet which had lain in my thigh 
since that eventful 13th of December, 1862. 

"I was then transferred to Portsmouth Grove, Rhode Island, 
remaining there until the regiment was mustered out, after which 
I remained at home six months. I then returned to Washington 
and was in the Government service until 1866. I recall the ex- 
citement in Washington on the night that Lincoln was assas- 
sinated, and also the trial and hanging of Captain Wirz at the 
'Old Capitol Prison,' being present at his execution." 




Theodore F. Dexter. 

(From a recent picture.) 



A PERSONAL REMINISCENCE. 

By THEODORE F. DEXTER. 



On June 23, 1863, the Twelfth Rhode Island Regiment arrived 
at a place called "Jimtown," in Kentucky, after marching from 
Somerset, The rations were all gone, and, on the next morning, 
the 24th, I was detailed to go with a wagon-train for new sup- 
plies of rations and forage for the teams. The train was in charge 
of our quartermaster, John L. Clarke, and consisted of seven 
six-mule teams of our own regiment and four six-mule teams 
of the Thirty-second Kentucky, making eleven teams in all, with 
the quartermaster and wagon master mounted on horses. Our 
orders were to go to a place called Columbia, about twenty miles 
away, through a rough and wooded country. When we reached 
the town, we found that the post quartermaster's stores had all 
been removed some few days before. Our quartermaster had 
orders in case no rations could be obtained here, to go on some 
forty miles further to a place called Lebanon, where there 
was a large depot for government rations. Our quartermaster 
made some inquiries as to the nature of the country and also as 
to a place to park the teams at night. Such a place he found 
about four miles farther on the road. Here we parked the teams, 
and a man named Merrill, on whose farm we were encamped, 
agreed to get us supper. The party consisted of just fourteen 
persons, the quartermaster, wagon master, eleven teamsters, and 
the cook, whose name I cannot recall, but who belonged to Com- 
pany D, of Newport, and who, I think, came from Block Island. 

Our wagon master, James Whipple, was a butcher by trade, 
and, on the night before, he had, with the assistance of some of 
the teamsters, killed one of the so-called razor-backed hogs, 
which, not having had time to cook, he had hung from the top 
of one of the wagons. Quartermaster Clarke told Mr. Merrill 
that all he need provide for our supper was some hot biscuit and 

15 



226 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

coffee, for the boys had some rabbits that they had killed, and, 
if he would fry them, it would be all the meat they wanted. 
Well! If you could have seen Mr. Merrill and his family open 
their eyes when our men carried in a whole ham to be sliced and 
fried! There was a laugh all around, and Mr. Merrill thought 
it was a "pretty large-sized rabbit that had a hind-quarter large 
enough to feed fourteen men." We had a good supper and all 
seemed to enjoy the joke. 

We slept in the wagons at night and in the morning got a good 
start for Lebanon, which was thirty-six miles away, through a 
rough and wooded country. We arrived at about eight o'clock 
in the evening and parked the teams a short distance outside of 
the town. Our quartermaster reported immediately to the post 
quartermaster and showed his requisition for eight days' rations 
for one thousand men and forage for the teams. The post quar- 
termaster inquired how much of an escort he had, and, when he 
was told that there was none, he was greatly surprised that we 
had succeeded in coming sixty miles through a guerilla country 
without being molested. He said we would not get back, but 
would be "gobbled up," and, as events turned out, he came near 
being correct, for the country through which we had come was 
full of John Morgan's guerillas, who were there to plunder and 
steal. After taking care of my team, I went down to the town 
with another teamster and had supper there in a hotel, paying 
one dollar — my last dollar — for the same. 

I slept in the wagon during the night and got some coffee and 
bacon for breakfast. Then the work of loading the teams 
with rations began. They consisted of pork, bacon, rice, hominy, 
salt junk, hard bread, coffee, molasses, sugar, beans, etc., and 
hay and oats for the animals. 

By the middle of the afternoon we started on our return trip, 
and, after going about twelve miles, we parked the teams for the 
night and rolled up in our blankets under the wagons. After 
a good start in the morning, we arrived in the middle of the 
afternoon at Green River, about twenty-four miles from camp 
and four miles from Columbia. Here was a temporary bridge 
in place of the regular bridge which had been destroyed by the 
rebels. About two hundred men, under command of Colonel 
Moore, of an Iowa regiment, guarded this. We crossed and pro- 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 227 

ceeded about three-fourths of a mile, when we stopped to feed 
the mules. While we were here, the report came that Morgan's 
men were in Columbia and were coming down the road we were 
on. Everyone that had anything that he did not want confis- 
cated was hustling for all he was worth to get it out of sight 
and hide it in the nearby woods. The owner of a variety store 
beside the road was very busy in this occupation. I rather 
laughed at his timidity, for I did not think there was any danger, 
but the quartermaster was told that the best thing he could do 
was to get back over the bridge, and the commander of the Iowa 
troops would do the best he could to protect the train. The 
quartermaster, accordingly, gave the order to go back. It was a 
down grade, and the way the mules ran with the loaded wagons 
pushing them along was surprising. Sometimes they stumbled, 
but they had a knack of righting themselves, so we did not stop 
till we got across the bridge and parked the teams, to await de- 
velopments. Colonel Moore sent a detachment of men to Colum- 
bia, and they cleaned the guerillas out. As it was then night, 
however, we did not move at once, but expected to get an early 
start in the morning and go through to camp. 

I should have said that it had rained every day since we 
started, and a heavy shower had fallen during the night, so that 
the river was greatly swollen, and was, in fact, in the condition 
of a freshet. The bridge, rather a weak concern, was only a 
temporary structure, whose uprights were made of trees cut in 
the woods. Scantlings and girders were nailed from one to an- 
other of these to steady them, and, on the girders, planks were 
laid crosswise. The driftwood collected here, and the water, 
rushing along, formed a sort of gorge. In the morning it had 
the appearance of a rainbow, and, seemingly, it was not safe for 
anyone to cross, much less eleven six-mule teams, loaded to their 
full capacity. We sat on the bank watching the driftwood come 
down, and about nine o'clock the bridge trembled and gave way. 
There we were, twenty-four miles from camp, with Green River 
between us and the regiment, and the bridge gone. Rather a 
dubious outlook, especially as we had no one that knew the coun- 
try, which, as we knew, was full of rebels. Our quartermaster 
saw that something must be done to inform Colonel Browne of 
our situation, so he arranged with Colonel Moore to send a man 



228 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

in a rebel uniform across on a raft to try to reach the regiment 
and report to the colonel. The raft was built quite a way up 
stream, and the cook, who was the Block Island man before re- 
ferred to, boarded it and pushed out into the stream. Finally, 
he landed on the other side, about half a mile below the starting- 
point. That it took some nerve and sand to go through a guerilla 
country twenty-four miles, disguised in a rebel uniform, is put- 
ting it mildly. However, he accomplished the feat, after running 
some very narrow chances of being captured. 

On Monday and Tuesday, while he was gone, we saddled the 
mules and rode back into the country and traded government 
rations for eggs and milk, etc. Tuesday afternoon there arrived 
an escort of thirty-five men, under command of Captain Higley, 
of the Seventh Ohio Cavalry, with maps and directions. We 
were to go back and up the river to a place called Neatsville, 
where there was a fording-place. We started next morning, and, 
after thirty-five miles of the roughest traveling I have ever done, 
arrived at Neatsville. This took us two days. The road was a 
mere cart-path through the woods, and in some places we had to 
chain the wheels and all hold on to the wagons to keep them 
from tipping over. After fording the river, we parked the teams 
and went in bathing. 

We got up early in the morning, and, after a breakfast of hard- 
tack and coffee, we hitched up the teams and started. Just be- 
fore we reached the main cart-path, we met a man with a tip-cart 
and a yoke of oxen. Our quartermaster was surprised to see 
him so early in the morning, as it was hardly sunrise. He asked 
the man where he was going and what he had in his cart. The 
man said he was going to "Jinitown," where there were Union 
soldiers, and, as the next day was the Fourth of July, he was 
going to give the boys a picnic. He had been all around the 
neighborhood, and all the Union people had contributed. Some 
had given pies, others doughnuts, cookies, cake, etc.; in fact, he 
had a whole cart-load of good things. Our quartermaster had 
quite a talk with him and asked him for information in regard 
to the road, etc. He started along and we followed about fifteen 
minutes later. We had not gone far when the quartermaster 
came alongside of my team, which led the train, and said, "Thede, 
I am on the wrong road." He thought he should have taken the 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 



229 



path to the left, instead of the one to the right. After a con- 
sultation with Captain Higley, it was decided that the only thing 
to do was to keep on till we came to an opening large enough for 
us to turn around in. We were then at the foot of a mountain, 
and there was just room enough for the teams to wriggle in be- 
tween the stones. However, we finally reached the top and 
found an open space. We could see that cavalry had been here 
the night before. Of course, this did not look right, especially 
as the indications pointed to quite a party of them. The teams 
were turned around, and we started back down the mountain 
till we came to the right road. We Anally got straightened out 
all right on the right path and were going along at a good pace 
to make up for lost time, when we suddenly met a company of 
guerillas, who were going to Neatsville to get horses and such 
other things as their sympathizers had collected. They ran into 
our advance guard, and I think they were more surprised than 
we were, for they did not know whether they had struck a regi- 
ment of cavalry or not. Their commander, Captain Salter, who 
was captured said that if he had known we were a wagon train 
he would have attacked the rear at the same time, and thus, by 
preventing Captain Higley from consolidating his men, made it 
more difficult to protect us. As it was, there was quite a skir- 
mish. The rear guard was notified, and came to the front with 
their carbines and seven-shooters. They charged the rebels im- 
mediately, and made it so hot for the guerillas that they broke 
and retreated, some to the woods, others along the road. As a 
result, we captured five prisoners, one of whom was wounded, 
who was put into my wagon. He had been shot in the cheek and 
made a great fuss because we did not have a surgeon to dress 
his wound. 1 told him it would have served him right if he had 
been killed, for they had attacked us, meaning to kill or cap- 
ture us and destroy our train. We had orders to move on and 
keep closed up, for it was expected that the guerillas would make 
another attack. They did so, about half a mile farther on at the 
top of a hill. But the guard charged them again, and they scat- 
tered. One was wounded, and he, with another, who stayed to 
assist him, was taken prisoner. As I have before said, the 
guerillas were coming along the road to go to Neatsville, and be- 
fore thev met us thev had come across the man witli the ox-cart 



230 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

full of "good things." He had not told them about our train, 
or else they would not have been so surprised when they met us. 
As it was, they had cleaned the old man out of all his sweet- 
meats. The road where they retreated was strewed with 
pies, cakes, cookies, etc., for nearly half a mile. The pris- 
oners whom we had taken said they had sixty men and 
expected re-enforcements before night. About noon Captain 
Higley thought it best to send a messenger ahead to camp 
for re-enforcements. He did so, and some fifty of Colonel 
Wolford's cavalry met us about five or six miles from the 
regiment, all of them just crazy for a fight. They scoured 
all around that afternoon and the next day, and took twenty- 
eight more prisoners, making thirty-five in all. Colonel Browne 
had charge of the prisoners, and we had them on our return trip, 
which took a week more. The last we saw of them was at Stan- 
ford, where there was a rebel prison. 




Walter A. Scott. 

(From a recent picture.) 



REMINISCENCES. 

By WALTER A. SCOTT. 



Although the battle of Fredericksburg was replete with 
many historically important incidents, to me it is most remem- 
bered because of two happenings of a purely personal nature. 
In the early morning hours of the 11th of December, 1862, while 
the artillery coming from all directions was taking position on 
the heights to support the crossing of the army, I with others, 
was looking for Rhode Island batteries as they passed. While 
so engaged I heard some one inquiring for me and was overjoyed 
to meet my father, who was in Hazard's Battery B. He grasped 
my hand and asked about my health and for news from home. 
This meeting was all too brief as he was obliged by duty to 
leave hurriedly and rejoin his command. Two days later, in the 
evening after the battle, one of his comrades came to me with 
the information that he had been severely wounded and desired 
to see me. I obtained permission to go to him, but was too late, 
as he had been moved across the river, and a few days later was 
sent forward to Washington. Our meeting was thus postponed 
until our return to Rhode Island, he disabled by the two wounds 
received in action, I safe and sound, and both with the terrible 
experiences of that eventful 13th of December, 1862, on the dis 
astrous field of Fredericksburg, indelibly impressed on our mem- 
ories, i 



'At this battle Battery B, known as Hazard's Rhode Island Battery, fought bravely under 
a hot fire in front of the stone wall at the foot of Marye's Heights, losing sixteen men 
wounded (several of whom subsequently died from their wounds); twelve battery horses 
were shot, also the horses of Captain Hazard and Lieutenants Bloodgood and Milne. 
General Couch who commanded the Second Corps in this action in his official report says : 
" While Humphreys was at work, Getty's division of Willcox's corps was ordered about 
three o'clock to the charge on our left by the unfinished railroad. I could see the men were 



232 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

As I have already said, there are many incidents connected 
with that battle the recollections of which can never be forgot- 
ten, but none that has made such a vivid impression upon my 
mind as the one I am now about to relate : On the morning of 
the 11th of December, 1862, our regiment was formed in line on 
Stafford's Heights, opposite Fredericksburg. We were in light 
marching order, our blankets and shelter tents rolled and slung 
about our shoulders, with three days' rations and extra ammuni- 
tion, and waiting for the pontoon bridges to be laid to enable us 
to cross the river to the city. We had been in line for hours 
while the batteries near us were shelling the city and trying to 
dislodge the sharpshooters opposing the engineers who were lay- 
ing the bridges. It became tiresome to me and I longed to move 
about, although strict orders had been given that no one should 
leave the ranks as we were likely to move at any moment. A 
short time previous an old schoolmate, from the Fourth Regi- 
ment Rhode Island Volunteers, had visited me and invited me 
over to a little feast they were preparing. Thoughts of this and 
the irksomeness of standing idle at last overcame me. I was in 
the rear rank, and, watching a time when none of the officers 
were looking, I asked a comrade to hold my musket for me while 
I stepped out of the ranks for a few minutes. He, being older, 



being dreadfully cut up, although they had not advanced as far as my men. I determined 
to send a battery upon the plain to shell the line that was doing them so much harm, so 
I ordered an aide to tell Captain Morgan (chief of artillery of the Second Corps), to send a 
battery across the canal and plant it near the Brick House. Morgan came to me and said : 
' My God ! General ! You will lose your guns, a battery cannot live there ! ' My reply was : 
' Then it can die there ! I would rather lose my guns than so many of my men ; put them in.' 
Hazard's Battery B, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, was the one to be 
sacrificed. 

" Without a murmur, Captain Hazard dashed, with his six twelve-pounders, into the street, 
over the bridge, and, getting into action on the left of the road, opened Are with a rapidity 
which well served my purpose, to hearten our men lying down in front, and create in the 
mind of the enemy the expectation of a new assault, which would draw their fire and 
relieve the pressure on the Ninth Corps. 

"The right section of Hazard's battery under Lieut. G. W. Adams, a cool and capable 
officer, is still further advanced in the road in line of the Brick House. Three number 
ones are struck down in quick succession, at the muzzle of the guns, but still the pieces 
were served in that perilous place as steadily as if at a review. 

"Men never fought more gallantly. When General Hooker returned to the field he 
ordered Frank's battery (G, First New York,) to the ridge on Hazard's left in support. But 
this last effort did not last long. Never before, I believe, was artillery so far advanced in 
plain sight without cover against an intrenched enemy. The object of the daring enterprise 
was accomplished, and the guns were ultimately withdrawn without the loss of a single 
piece, and Battery B, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, Capt. John G. Hazard 
commanding, was placed upon record." 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 233 

cautioned me not to go too far. I managed to get away un- 
noticed by any of my officers and made the trip of about half a 
mile to where the Fourth Rhode Island was encamped. They 
had been on picket duty the night previous and were relieved 
from duty for the day. As I had expected, I found a number 
of my old acquaintances who were delightel to see me, and who 
treated me royally. The feast, I found, consisted of boiled rice, 
molasses and coffee, and no one but a hungry soldier can under- 
stand how good that meal tasted to me. The time passed so 
pleasantly that it was some time before I realized that I had 
been away longer than was safe. It was fast growing dark, and 
so bidding my friends good-bye, I hurried back to join my com- 
pany. The thought then came to me like a flash — what if the 
company had moved across the river and gone into action? How 
was I to join them, and, failing to do so, would I be reported as 
absent without leave at roll call? Possibly I would be reported 
as a deserter and court-martialled for deserting in the face of 
the enemy. How could I explain my disobedience of orders? 
I had acted on the impulse of the moment in leaving my regi- 
ment, not thinking of disobeying orders or the consequences 
which might result from my thoughtlessness. The mental an- 
guish I endured until I found our regiment was the most ter- 
rible of my war-time experiences. I hurried back as rapidly as 
possible, but the way was difficult. It had grown dark and I 
could not recognize anything familiar. The regiments that had 
covered the field early in the day had gone. Very few troops 
were about, only a few stragglers here and there. No one I met 
could give me any definite information as to where I could find 
my regiment. One party said all the troops had crossed the 
river, which information frightened me still more. In the dark- 
ness I was partially lost and unable to locate the direction of 
our camp. The only thing I could do was to find the camp we 
had left in the morning. As our extra baggage, knapsacks, etc., 
were left under camp guard, I knew I would find friends there. 
After a search of nearly an hour I at last found the Twelfth. 
It had been ordered back to our old camp at about dusk as only 
a part of the army crossed the river that day. To say that I 
was glad to again be with my company but feebly expresses my 



234 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

feelings. I had come to a full realization of what might have 
been my punishment had I failed to be present at roll call. My 
comrade with whom I had left my musket gave me a severe lec- 
ture for disobeying orders. This experience taught me to obey 
orders implicitly and to never leave my company when under 
orders, without permission, a lesson which I never forgot dur- 
ing the rest of my service. 



PART FOURTH 




Quartermaster-Sergt. Pardon E. Tillinghast. 

(From a recent picture.) 



REMINISCENCES OF SERVICE WITH THE TWELFTH 
RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS. 



By PARDON E. TILLINGHAST. 



The months of July, August, September, and October of 1862, 
were stirring times in Rhode Island, — and in fact throughout the 
entire North. The vigorous onward movement of our army to- 
wards Richmond, which had been long and frequently promised, 
was still deferred. The decisive victory won by the Union forces 
over Lee's army at Malvern Hill at great cost, which, in the 
judgment of every officer in the Army of the Potomac save one, 
and he the chief, should have been immediately followed by a 
determined advance towards the rebel stronghold, which was 
only about a day's march distant, was supplemented by the now 
somewhat stereotyped order to "fall back," thus presenting the 
not altogether inspiring military spectacle of a victorious army 
running away from its defeated and thoroughly demoralized 
enemy. 

General Pope's campaign in Northern Virginia, inaugurated 
with a great flourish of trumpets, had resulted disastrously ; the 
rebel army was greatly encouraged by the inactivity and the va- 
cillating conduct of their opponents, and had commenced a vigor- 
ous aggressive movement. The National capital was again in 
imminent peril, causing a feverish excitement throughout the 
country; Baltimore and Cincinnati were seriously threatened, 
and a great crisis was evidently at hand. Vigorous measures 
must be adopted at once, or our boasted Republic would soon be 
a thing of the past. 

The President, in view of the great emergency, had ordered 
drafts, amounting in the aggregate to six hundred thousand men, 
one-half thereof for three years and the other half for nine 
months, the latter to be drawn from the enrolled militia; and the 



228 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

utmost activity everywhere prevailed in connection with the rais- 
ing, equipping and forwarding of this vast army of recruits. 

Rhode Island was thoroughly alive to the occasion, determined 
not to be outdone by any of her sister states in meeting this new 
and pressing demand upon her loyalty and her resources; and 
meeting it, too, if possible, without resort to a draft, which, of 
course was obnoxious to the sentiments of the people. In order 
to promote enlistments, the stores in some places were closed 
at three p. m. each day; war meetings were held every evening 
and the greatest enthusiasm was manifested. The whole 
State seemed to be one vast recruiting camp, and all the 
people, both male and female, to be engaged in the business. 
For it should ever be remembered, to the praise of the women of 
Rhode Island, that they were fully as loyal and as devoted to 
our country's cause during the Rebellion, as were the men; and 
that in very many cases they suffered and sacrificed quite as 
much at home, though in different ways, as did their husbands 
and sons and brothers in the field. 

In such a state of public feeling, what could I, a young un- 
married man, do consistently with a fair amount of self-respect 
but enlist? Evidently nothing; and so I left the teacher's desk 
and enlisted as a private in Company C, Eleventh Rhode Island 
Volunteers, under Capt. Charks W. Thrasher. I was detailed 
for service in the quartermaster's department under Lieut. John 
L. Clarke, and shortly after was transferred with him (I never 
knew why) to the Twelfth, and was appointed by Colonel Browne 
to the office of quartermaster-sergeant. 

Camp Stevens, in Providence, was a lively place during the 
latter part of September and the first part of October, 1862. 
The Eleventh and Twelfth regiments were both encamped there 
together during a part of this time, preparatory to their de- 
parture for the seat of war. The former left on Monday, Octo- 
ber 6th, and the latter on Tuesday, October 21st. 

The Twelfth Regiment was composed mainly of good Rhode 
Island material, and was officered by intelligent, patriotic, and 
brave-hearted men. There were representatives from nearly all 
of the ordinary walks and callings of life, thus furnishing the 
command with facilities for almost any emergency; and it was 
proverbial that whatever could be done by anybody could be 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 239 

done by some one in this regiment. The officers and the privates 
were well-disposed towards each other; there was a prevalent 
spirit of prompt obedience to orders; and, in general, a manifest 
disposition on the part of all to make themselves useful and ser- 
viceable both to the Government and to each other. 

A journey of seventy-seven hours from Providence, partly by 
rail, partly by water, and partly on foot, brought this newly- 
formed regiment to Camp Chase, which was situated across the 
Potomac from Washington, in the neighborhood of Arlington 
Heights. The work of pitching our tents was at once commenced 
and rapidly pushed forward. But before it was completed, a 
violent storm of wind and rain broke upon us which continued 
for nearly two days without intermission. And such a storm ! 
I think I never saw the like before or since. It did not simply 
rain, but it came down in great broad sheets of water ; it poured ; 
it came in great gusts. And then the wind — it whirled, it roared, 
it got upon its giant legs and fairly howled with rage as the 
weary hours of that first night in camp wore away. 

And such a sorry sight as that camp presented the next morn- 
ing was not calculated to promote one's military enthusiasm, to 
say the least. Many of the tents, all of which had been hastily 
erected, had been blown down during the night, and the drenched 
and shivering inmates were wandering about in search of shelter 
or assistance in again erecting their uncertain habitations. Bag- 
gage and camp equipage were scattered in all directions, and 
confusion held high carnival generally. As if this were not 
enough for beginners, we were also treated to our first install- 
ment of Virginia mud, which covered the entire surface of the 
ground to a depth of two or three inches. No description of this 
unique article, however, is necessary here. It is perhaps need- 
less to say that our first impressions of a soldier's life in the 
"Sunny South" were not altogether favorable. 

But this storm, like all others, came to an end, and the bright, 
warm sunshine, together with the diligence of many busy hands, 
soon repaired most of the damage; so that the regiment was able 
to appear on brigade review in gallant style, on Tuesday, the 
28th of October, the fourth day after our arrival, before the ven- 
erable General Casey, in whose division it had been brigaded. 

One week was the length of our stay at Camp Chase, at the 



240 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

end of which brief period we folded our tents and made a "Sab- 
bath Day's journey," although somewhat longer than that per- 
mitted by the Jewish economy on that sacred day, to Fairfax 
Seminary. (I may remark in passing that perhaps not the most 
scrupulous regard was had by most of the commanders who con- 
ducted the operations of our armies, either to the Jewish or 
Christian economy concerning the Sabbath day.) This proved 
to be a charming location, indeed. The land was high, overlook- 
ing the broad Potomac for a long distance; the city of Alex- 
andria situated two miles to the south, was in full view, while in 
the distance on our left was the magnificent dome of the Capitol 
at Washington. The land sloped in a broad, undulating sweep 
towards the Potomac in front of us ; the large and dignified brick 
buildings of Fairfax Seminary, then used as a hospital, were 
situated just to the north, in the rear, surrounded by a stately 
grove of trees (which, sad to say, speedily succumbed to the 
soldier's axe) ; several fine country residences were scattered 
about in the immediate vicinity, evidently the recent homes of 
affluence and luxury, but now abandoned to the tender mercies of 
strangers in arms, being used mainly by general and field officers, 
with their staffs, for headquarters. And although their owners 
were rebels fighting against the Government, I must, neverthe- 
less, confess to a strong feeling of sympathy which I then had for 
them, and thousands like them, in the untold and untenable dis- 
tress, privation, and suffering which they and their families must 
have experienced in being driven as exiles from their homes and 
firesides, their property appropriated to the use of their enemies, 
and what they, in the main, honestly considered their inalienable 
rights, taken from them. But such is and will continue to be 
the fate of war. 

Regiments of soldiers were on every side of us. A few rods in 
front was the Fifteenth Connecticut, Colonel Wright; in the rear 
was the Thirteenth New Hampshire, Colonel Stevens; on the 
right the Twenty-seventh New Jersey, Colonel Mindil; and on 
the left a stalwart regiment of "six footers" from Maine; while 
for a mile or more in all directions little else was visible but 
camps of soldiers. Truly this was a "tented field." Everything 
about our new camp, which was named Camp Casey, was soon 
put in the best of order, cleanliness and good order being prime 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 241 

virtues with Colonel Browne, and always being strenuously in- 
sisted on. 

One company was detailed each day at first for picket duty 
on the long line at the front near Cloud's Mills, which was about 
five miles distant; but subsequently the entire regiment per- 
formed this duty for twenty-four hours at a time, alternating 
with the other regiments of the brigade. The regiment was dili- 
gently perfecting itself in the manual of arms, and a military 
air and bearing were everywhere apparent. We had now com- 
menced soldiering in good earnest. My principal duties, under 
the direction of the quartermaster, were to see that the commis- 
sary department was kept constantly supplied with everything in 
the way of subsistence which the army regulations allowed. 
Washington and Alexandria were the great reservoirs of these 
supplies, and to one or the other of these places I went three or 
four times a week, accompanied by two or more four-mule teams, 
with which to haul the stores to camp. The great army bakery 
was in the basement of the Capitol building, whither we went 
for our supply of bread. And I think I do not exaggerate by 
saying that I have seen a line of army wagons half a mile or 
more in length, each awaiting its turn to be filled with the nice 
brown loaves. I need hardly say that after leaving the vicinity 
of Washington we bade an enforced good-bye to soft bread. 

On one of my journeys to Alexandria after getting my teams 
loaded with rations, I took a stroll about the somewhat an- 
tiquated city, visiting places of interest, amongst which was the 
Marshall House, where the brave Colonel Ellsworth met his ter- 
rible fate, and from which house the entire banisters of the 
stairs which he ascended in going to the roof to haul down a 
rebel flag, had been carried away piecemeal by visitors, as memen- 
toes of the tragic event. Other parts of the building had also 
been sadly mutilated for the same purpose. But the Stars and 
Stripes had permanently supplanted the rebel flag hauled down 
by the lamented Ellsworth, and were proudly floating from that 
now historic building. 

I also visited another place of interest, but with what different 
feelings I will not attempt to relate. It was a large block which 
bore the following prominent sign : "Price, Birch & Co., Deal- 
ers in Slaves.'' Connected with it was a huge pen to hold the 

16 



242 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

slaves, and an auction block from which thousands doubtless had 
been bought and sold. But for this establishment and what it 
represented, neither the tragic scene at the Marshall House nor 
the gigantic military operations then going on from one end of 
the country to the other, would ever have been witnessed. 

I was also mail-carrier for the regiment to and from the post 
office in Alexandria, and was always cheerfully received on my 
return with a heavy mail; for amongst the chief delights of a 
soldier was a letter from home. As there was no salary attached 
to this branch of the mail service I was not accused of offensive 
partisanship, but permitted to hold the office to the end of my 
term of enlistment. 

Nov. 27, 1862, was recognized by us as Thanksgiving Day, al- 
though the turkey, without which no Yankee can properly ob- 
serve the day, was conspicuous only by its absence. The usual 
amusements of the occasion, however, including a sack race be- 
tween two men, each enveloped in a bedsack drawn up and tied 
under his chin, were engaged in and greatly enjoyed. The gov- 
ernor's proclamation was read by Chaplain Field, and appropri- 
ate religious services were conducted by him in front of head- 
quarters. 

As it had been currently rumored for some time that Camp 
Casey was to be our winter quarters, the boys had taken great 
pains to make their habitations as snug and cosy as possible for 
the rapidly approaching cold weather. The non-commissioned 
staff, of which I was a member, appropriated to their use a roof- 
less negro hut in the rear of the stately old mansion house which 
was occupied by the colonel and staff for headquarters, and by 
using the fly of a large tent for a roof, and otherwise improving 
it, we converted it into very comfortable quarters, anticipating 
quite a jolly time therein during the winter. The mess consisted 
of Sergt.-Maj. Daniel R. Ballon, subsequently promoted to the 
office of lieutenant before the regiment left Fairfax Seminary; 
Commissary Sergt. Amasa F. Eddy; Quartermaster's Clerk 
Erastus Richardson; the quartermaster sergeant, and William, 
the colored boy. 

But alas for all plans which have no firmer base than rumors 
in the army. For the regiment had no more than fully settled 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 243 

down to housekeeping for the winter, when, on Sunday., Novem- 
ber 30th, orders were received that Colonel Wright's brigade, of 
which the Twelfth Rhode Island was a part, would move to the 
front the next day at twelve o'clock. As to their destination, no 
one knew save Colonel Browne, if indeed he did, and, as a matter 
of course, speculations and conjectures of all sorts were freely 
indulged in. "Shelter tents" were issued at once, the men were 
ordered to provide themselves with three days' cooked rations 
and have everything in readiness to move promptly at the ap- 
pointed time. Truly, "there was hurrying to and fro, and gather- 
ing in hot haste," each one busily making ready for his unknown 
journey. There was but very little grumbling about leaving our 
nicely arranged camp and beautiful situation, although we had 
but very recently received what seemed to be almost a positive 
promise that these should be our winter quarters. 

The baggage was reduced to the lowest marching standard, 
and the men ordered to take nothing in their knapsacks except 
what they actually needed. The consequence was that a large 
portion of their "traps" had to be left behind, and, judging from 
the number of officers' trunks which I shipped to Rhode Island 
after the regiment left, I doubt not that more dress uniforms 
adorned the wardrobes at home than their owners in the field. 
Such things look exceedingly nice on dress parade or review, but 
they are not altogether useful on a forced march or in a fight. 

The hour of departure having arrived, the companies marched 
from their several streets, the regimental line was formed, and 
all was in readiness for a move. I must confess to an almost 
overwhelming feeling of loneliness as I saw the long soldierly 
column moving off, led by the splendid band of the Thirteenth 
New Hampshire, for amongst other things I thought it quite 
probable that before I should again see them, their ranks might 
be thinned by the terrible shock of battle. And so, alas! they 
were. But having received orders from the colonel to remain in 
charge of the camp, which remained as before, except that its 
occupants were gone, the tents being all left standing, I had no 
alternative but to obey. About seventy men were left in the 
camp, all of whom, with the exception of the quartermaster's 
clerk and myself, were on the sick list. Truly this was "a sick 



244 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

house with no doctor," for the surgeon and each of his assistants 
had gone forward with the regiment. We were cheered, how- 
ever, just at evening by the return of our kind-hearted assistant 
surgeon, Dr. Prosper K. Hutchinson, now long since gone to 
his reward, who was sent back to remain with the sick ones until 
they should be able to join their comrades. The clerk and my- 
self now appropriated the colonel's somewhat luxurious quarters 
to our use, and, as we had plenty of provisions and a good cook, 
there was no occasion for us to complain of our fate. 

The fourth day after the regiment left, winter set in in good 
earnest. Snow fell to the depth of several inches, and the 
weather was bitterly cold and severe. I contrasted my com- 
fortable quarters, as I sat by a blazing wood fire at night, with 
those of my comrades huddled in shelter tents and shivering from 
cold, somewhere on their tedious march to the front, and heartily 
pitied, while I could not alleviate, their condition. With the aid 
of some of the convalescents I struck the tents, turned over the 
camp stores and equipage, except a small part which was to go 
forward to the quartermaster's department in Washington, set- 
tled my accounts with the Government, and, through the kind- 
ness of the quartermaster of the One Hundred and Eleventh New 
York, who loaned me the use of his teams, hauled the balance of 
the baggage to Alexandria, placed it on board a boat for Acquia 
Creek, and, on the 17th of December, took leave of Camp Casey, 
and with thirteen men went forward to join my regiment. 
It was found encamped near General Sumner's headquarters on 
the heights opposite Fredericksburg, which place I learned it 
reached after a week's march from Camp Casey, traveling up- 
wards of sixty miles — part of the time through the mud, and 
part thereof through the snow and over the frozen ground. My 
friend, Captain Lapham, who experienced the hardships of this 
never to-be-forgotten march, has vividly described it in his ad- 
mirable paper on the Twelfth Rhode Island. 

The terrible battle of Fredericksburg had been fought three 
days before my arrival at Falmouth, and I knew of it only from 
others and from the fearful havoc which it had made in the ranks 
of my comrades, upwards of one-fifth of the entire regiment hav- 
ing been either killed, wounded, or found missing at the close of 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 245 

that sanguinary contest. The part taken by the gallant Twelfth 
has also been graphically portrayed in the paper just referred to, 
by one who took an honorable part therein, and it would be pre- 
sumption in me to attempt a word in addition. 

The great Army of the Potomac, now upwards of <me hundred 
thousand strong, was stretched along the eastern bank of the 
Rappahannock from Falmouth southward to. and including. Gen- 
eral Franklin's division, and for miles there was but little space 
between the regimental camps of this mighty host. Our picket 
line was on the left bank of the river, while that of the enemy 
was on the right in plain sight, and for the most part the two 
lines were within reach of each other's rifles. But there was lit- 
tle firing done, it seeming to be tacitly understood that their 
principal business was to mutually watch, instead of shoot, each 
other. Anxious to see how rebels in arms looked. I rode the 
length of our picket line and inspected them as best I could, from 
this tolerably safe distance, and became satisfied that a nearer 
approach was undesirable. 

Our base of supplies was Acquia Creek, about fifteen miles in 
our rear, towards Washington, and thither I had to frequently 
go for our subsistence. The trains to this place were daily laden 
with the sick and wounded on their way to the great hospitals in 
and around Washington. And some of the sights that I saw in 
connection with the removal of our poor, maimed, sick and dying 
soldiers, shortly after the terrible battle, would be too painful to 
relate. I do not mean that they were not as well treated and as 
kindly cared for as was practicable under the circumstances, but 
that from their great numbers, the inadequate means for handling 
them, and the distance over which they had to be transported in 
crowded box cars and filthy steamboats before much could be 
done for them, it was impossible but that their sufferings in many 
cases should be of the most aggravated character. 

Our situation while in front of Fredericksburg was anything 
but comfortable. The men lived in all sorts of rudely con- 
structed cabins, bough-houses and even subterranean huts, having 
no tents save the miserable misnamed shelter tents, which were 
used only as roofs for the conglomerate structures which their 
ingenuity had devised. The fireplaces were made of logs ce- 



246 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

merited and plastered with mud, and the chimneys mainly with 
empty barrels set on top of each other (the heads being first 
knocked out), and they also cemented together and plastered 
with mud. This Virginia mud, when thoroughly dried by the 
fire, is almost as hard as common brick. The water which we 
had to use and drink here was simply execrable. I don't think it 
was so bad as that in the Cove Basin, but it had a very similar 
appearance. Each little spring and rivulet was eagerly sought 
and constantly used by continual streams of soldiers, necessarily 
keeping them in a perturbed and more or less filthy condition; 
and, besides, it was impossible that some portion of the vast 
amount of offal accumulating from this great army should not 
find its way into these sources of our water supply. This was 
specially so when, as frequently happened, several regiments were 
encamped on the same little stream. Much sickness was caused 
during our uncomfortable stay here by this detestable water. 

On the 16th of January, 1863, we received marching orders, 
but were directed to remain in camp, simply holding ourselves in 
readiness to move at short notice. The line of march of the Right 
Grand Division commenced on January 19th and was continued 
through the 20th. Regiment after regiment, followed by long 
strings of batteries, continued to move directly past our camp 
all day long, going to the right. Another great battle was sup- 
posed to be imminent. But alas for human plans ; whether made 
by great generals or by persons unknown to fame, they are ex- 
ceedingly liable to be thwarted. On the afternoon of the 20th 
a cold northeast storm of wind, snow, sleet and rain came 
on and continued with increasing force for more than thirty-six 
hours, which necessarily put an end to the strategic movement of 
General Burnside, for the roads became utterly impassable for 
the artillery, and practically so for all military purposes. After 
floundering about in the clayey mire for three days, the brave fel- 
lows came tramping back, weary and thoroughly disgusted, and 
again took up their abode in their wretched old quarters. Our 
gallant General Burnside was now relieved of the command of 
the great Army of the Potomac, and General Hooker appointed 
to succeed him. 

On the afternoon of February 9th, we broke camp and took the 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 247 

cars for Acquia Creek, en route for Fortress Monroe, as was sup- 
posed, but really for Newport News. There was hilarious rejoic- 
ing on all hands at the prospect of at last getting away from our 
abominable quarters. The huts were set on fire; bonfires were 
made from the great piles of combustible debris which had ac 
cumulated during the winter ; the rude barns which had sheltered 
our horses and mules added to the conflagration, and for an hour 
or so before embarking we held high carnival amidst the smoking 
ruins of "Camp Misery." At Acquia Creek we went on board 
the transport steamers Metamora and Juniata, and the next 
morning steamed down the broad Potomac. 

The agreeable change of situation, together with the pleasant 
sail, were very invigorating, and the men seemed almost to forget 
that they were soldiers, and to imagine themselves on some holi- 
day excursion. Arriving off Fortress Monroe at four a. m. of the 
second day out, we awaited orders from General Dix, which be- 
ing received we proceeded to Newport News and disembarked. 
We had at last got beyond Virginia mud, though still in Virginia, 
the soil at this place being light and sandy, and the ground for 
miles almost as level as Dexter Training Ground. 

The schooner Elizabeth and Helen from Providence, which we 
had long been expecting, arrived about the same time. She 
brought a little more than three hundred boxes from friends at 
home for our regiment, and our portion of the cargo of vegetables 
was about ninety barrels. So that, altogether, Ave had a "right 
smart heap" of the good things from home. The contents of the 
boxes being largely of a very perishable nature, were considerably 
damaged on account of having been so long on the journey. But 
we made the best of it, and enjoyed the unpacking of those boxes 
quite as much, without doubt, as our friends at home did the 
packing. Nothing could have been more beneficial to us than 
the generous supply of vegetables which we received, having sub- 
sisted mainly on salt meats and hard-tack while at Fredericks 
burg. 

"A" tents were here issued to the companies; everything was 
cheerful and tidy about the camp, and we seemed to be living in 
a new world. My duties called me to Fortress Monroe nearly 
every day, which gave me a delightful little sail, together with 



248 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

charming scenery and plenty of work. The scene of the exciting 
and unequal contest between the Merrimac and the Cumberland, 
in Hampton Roads in March, 1862, was immediately in front of 
us; and about a mile from the shore, in the direction of Norfolk, 
could be seen a portion of the masts of the latter, emerging from 
the water. 

After a stay of precisely six weeks at Newport News, during 
which time nothing of very great importance transpired in the 
Ninth Army Corps, all of which were encamped at this delightful 
place, the Second Brigade, of which the Twelfth was a part, was 
ordered to the far-off city of Lexington, Ky. Our regiment at 
once embarked on the steamer Long Island for Baltimore, whence 
we were to ge by rail to the West. Some of the scenes on board 
that steamer at night were ludicrous in the extreme. I have 
heard of one's "hair standing seven ways for Sunday," of things 
being "at sixes and sevens," and "all heads and points," but I 
must aver that the packing of the men on that boat exceeded 
anything I had ever seen in the way of mixing up human beings. 
They bestowed themselves in every conceivable position. It was 
almost an impossibility to go three steps without causing some 
one to cry out, "Keep off from me !" or, "O, my fingers !" an oath 
generally preceding the expression, just for the sake of making it 
emphatic. The head of a soldier might frequently be seen mixed 
in with the feet of two or three of his immediate neighbors. And 
in one case I discovered two men lying directly under one of the 
horses, fast asleep. I soon ascertained, however, that they had 
been imbibing too freely of poor whiskey, and that therefore there 
was probably little immediate danger from their situation. 

A sail of sixteen hours brought us to Baltimore, and a ride of 
three hundred and forty miles over the Pennsylvania Railroad 
took us to Pittsburg, Penn., where we arrived at twelve o'clock 
on Saturday night, March 28th, tired and hungry. To our great 
joy we were immediately invited into the large and beautifully 
decorated hall occupied by the Soldiers' Relief Society, where 
we found a splendid supper awaiting us. There were twelve ta- 
bles, each running the entire length of the hall, each arranged to 
accommodate one hundred men, and all richly laden with an 
abundance of delicious food and fruit. Compliments were few 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 249 

and exceedingly brief, but the rattle of crockery and knives and 
forks was long and continuous. The Seventh Rhode Island was 
in the hall at the same time, and you may be assured that Little 
Rhody showed an unbroken front here, as she had already done 
under more trying circumstances elsewhere. Suspended from 
the front of the platform was the following in large letters: 
"Pittsburg Welcomes Her Country's Defenders;" while under- 
neath this was "Roanoke, Newbern, Fredericksburg, Burnside, 
and the Ninth Army Corps." 

After the sumptuous repast was ended. Colonel Browne 
stepped upon the platform, and, in a few appropriate and feeling 
remarks, returned his thanks to the citizens of Pittsburg for 
their hospitality to the soldiers of Rhode Island, and closed by 
proposing three cheers for our benefactors, which were given 
with a roar that seemed almost to raise the roof. We then 
marched out to make room for others that were waiting, the re- 
mainder of our brigade being near by. One of the waiters, who, 
I was informed, was the daughter of one of the first citizens of 
the city, told me that this hall had not been closed night or day 
for more than a week, and that every soldier who had passed 
through the city for a long time had partaken of their bounty if 
he chose to do so. Nearly five thousand had been fed during the 
past twelve hours, and still there was an abundance. 

At ten a. m. we took the cars for Cincinnati, which we reached 
after a pleasant ride of about four hundred miles through the 
most delightful section of country we had yet seen. We almost 
imagined ourselves making one of "Perham's Grand Excursions 
to the West." Everywhere along the route we met with tokens 
of welcome and encouragement. White handkerchiefs fluttered 
from ten thousand fair hands, while the Stars and Stripes were 
displayed "from cottage, hall and tower," in great profusion. At 
Steubenville, Ohio, I should judge the inhabitants were nearly 
all at the depot on our arrival, where they greeted us with cheer 
upon cheer, besides innumerable expressions of loyalty and good 
will. Five long trains of cars, containing the five regiments of 
our brigades, kept within a short distance of each other during 
this entire journey, and when the forward train stopped, the 
others would come up within a few rods of each other, thus con- 



250 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

stituting an almost unbroken train for about two miles. The 
impromptu foraging parties that emerged from each of those 
trains whenever they came to a brief halt, it is unnecessary to- 
describe to veterans. 

The brigade received a perfect ovation at Cincinnati. The 
streets were crowded with the enthusiastic populace, many build- 
ings were brilliantly illuminated, and the entire conduct of the 
people proved most conclusively that the Union sentiment here 
was dominant. While passing along one of the streets our regi- 
ment was treated to a perfect shower of nice white handker- 
chiefs, which were thrown from the windows of a large brick 
block by a company of ladies. Each of these souvenirs was deli- 
cately perfumed and bore the name of the fair donor. We were 
also treated to another supper here, which, had we not fared so 
very sumptuously at Pittsburg, would have been pronounced the 
ne plus ultra of feasts. After eating till we could eat no more, 
a fresh supply was brought on with which to fill our empty haver- 
sacks for the remainder of the journey. 

I was busily occupied all night, in company with a squad of 
men, in transferring the baggage across the river to Covington 
in ferryboats, and loading it on board the train which was to 
convey us to Lexington, which city we reached the following day, 
having been six days on the journey from Newport News. We 
encamped on the State Fair Grounds, west of the city, a spacious 
and charming location, adorned with elegant shade trees, and 
surrounded with the stately suburban residences of some of the 
chivalry of Kentucky. You may perhaps infer that we were 
somewhat influenced by our aristocratic surroundings when I 
inform you that while here our firewood consisted mainly of 
black-walnut, the ordinary fence-rails in that vicinity being com- 
posed of that material. 

The Sunday following our arrival here, the regiment was vis- 
ited and briefly addressed by the venerable Gen. Leslie Coombs, 
of Kentucky, that staunch and lifelong enemy of secession, who 
was a friend and old acquaintance of Colonel Browne. His tall 
and manly form, his long, flowing white hair, and his stately 
bearing, together with his stirring and patriotic remarks in favor 
of the preservation of the Union and the vigorous prosecution of 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 251 

the war, made an impression upon my mind that I shall never 
forget. 

After a week's sojourn here, our brigade turned its face south 
ward and commenced what subsequently proved to be a long 
series of marches back and forth across the state, protecting ex- 
posed points and preparing for a probable meeting with the reb- 
els either under General Breckinridge or General Morgan, who 
were constantly menacing the southern borders of the state. 
And besides, the mountainous districts thereof were infested with 
marauding bands, mainly under the general direction of Morgan, 
who were carrying on a guerilla warfare both against the Union- 
ists of the state, who constituted a majority of all the people, and 
also against the Union forces stationed there, thus keeping the 
citizens in a constant state of anxiety and trepidation. The pil- 
laging and murdering of the peaceable and inoffensive citizens 
of that would-be loyal State by these organized bands of ruffians, 
constitute, to my mind, one of the darkest pictures of our civil 
war. 

Twenty-two miles over a macadamized road, through the cele- 
brated "Blue Grass" region, brought us to Winchester, a pleas- 
ant inland village in Clarke County, where we were allowed to 
remain for the full period of eight days. Our next stopping 
place was at Richmond, a very inviting post-village of about fif- 
teen hundred inhabitants in Madison County, twenty miles south 
of Winchester. This march, which occupied two days, took us 
through some of the most picturesque natural scenery to be found 
in the state, including Boonesboro, the scene of Daniel Boone's 
famous exploits with the Indians, at which place the entire brig- 
ade crossed the Kentucky River in a common scow which would 
hold only fifty men at a time. This delayed us for at least half 
a day, so that we had a good view of the wild surroundings. 

I must here relate a personal incident. After arriving at Rich- 
mond I was sent back to Winchester to bring forward some 
stores and supplies which had been necessarily left there. Our 
teams had not arrived from Covington, and I was detained for 
three days awaiting their appearance. I was stopping at the 
house of one Mr. Bush, a well-to-do planter, whose acquaintance 
I had made while the regiment was encamped there. On the 



252 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

third night of my stay with him I was suddenly aroused from a 
sound sleep at one o'clock by two soldiers who had entered my 
room, and who immediately confronted me, one with a drawn 
sword, and the other with a revolver, which he held in one hand, 
and a lighted candle in the other. They said nothing, except to 
caution me that any attempt to move from my present position 
would be at the peril of my life. One of them commenced to 
search my clothes, while the other stood guard over me, holding 
his glistening revolver uncomfortably near my head. I thought 
my hour had probably come, taking it for granted that the men 
were rebel soldiers and had taken advantage of my isolated sit- 
uation to first rob and then dispatch me. But I finally mustered 
courage enough to ask them their business as politely as I knew 
how, and was promptly informed, greatly to my surprise, that I 
was a rebel spy and their prisoner and that they were Union sol- 
diers sent there to arrest me. I at once felt relieved, knowing 
that I could readily establish my identity, and furthermore that 
I was tolerably safe anyway in the hands of Union soldiers. Mr. 
Bush, who had followed them into the room in his night-clothes, 
immediately assured them that I was not a rebel spy, or even a 
rebel, but a member of the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers, and 
.manifested considerable indignation that he should even be sus- 
pected of harboring rebel spies. Some papers and letters in my 
pockets supported the testimony of my host, and, after consider- 
able time spent in examining them, my brave ( ?) captors con- 
cluded that I was not the man they were looking for, and left me 
without so much as an apology for their mistake, to ponder upon 
my deceitful appearance. I learned the next day that two rebel 
spies had in fact been prowling about the neighborhood for sev- 
eral days, and that these officers (for such they were) had been 
searching for them. 

A week at Richmond, three days at Paint Lick Creek, a tribu- 
tary of the Ohio, a week at Lancaster, and on we go, still 
southward, till we reach Crab Orchard, a Kentucky watering 
place of considerable note, where we remained for ten days. It 
was not every brigade that was allowed to spend this length of 
time at a fashionable Southern watering place during the sultry 
days of June, at the expense of the Government. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 253 

Instead of proceeding still further southward, as had been ex- 
pected, we were here suddenly ordered to execute a "right about 
face," and retrace our steps to Nicholasville, a point twelve miles 
south of Lexington, where it was understood we were to take the 
cars en route for the far-off city of Vicksburg, where we were to 
assist General Grant in the siege against that rebel stronghold. 
This was not encouraging news to soldiers whose term of enlist- 
ment would expire in a little more than thirty days. Back we, 
went, however, through the dust and heat, making the distance 
in two long days, the boys frequently rallying each other on the 
march with the remarks: "It's all in the nine months, boys;" 
and, "Why did you come for a soldier?" 

Just as we got in sight of Nicholasville another surprise 
awaited us. One of the general's aids came dashing up to Col- 
onel Browne with orders detaching his regiment from the brigade 
and directing him to report to General Carter at Somerset, more 
than seventy miles away, without delay. Half of this distance 
lay directly back over the route we had just traveled. This was, 
indeed, provoking. But we were soldiers, and had learned that 
our first and principal duty was prompt and unquestioning obedi- 
ence to orders. So we bade good-bye to the other regiments of 
our brigade by giving three hearty cheers for each as they 
marched past us on their long journey to the West, and imme- 
diately turned our faces southward again and started for Somer- 
set. 

It then being nearly sunset, we bivouacked for the night as 
soon as we came to a convenient place, and resumed our back- 
ward march at daylight the next morning. The First Tennessee 
Battery and a regiment of mounted infantry soon joined us, and 
in company with them we reached Somerset, having gone by the 
way of Camp Dick Robinson and Hall's Gap, after a four days' 
march. In six successive days we had marched one hundred 
miles. And what was somewhat remarkable, we went into camp 
at the end of this time with not a man left behind. 

After a stay of ten days at Somerset, during which time our 
base of supplies was at Stanford, thirty-three miles away, and 
could only be reached by our mule teams, we moved down to 
the Cumberland River, where we encamped on a high and 



254 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

precipitous bluff overlooking the river and the rugged moun- 
tainous scenery for a long distance. A brief rest and on, on we 
went again, bivouacking for a night on the battlefield of Mill 
Springs, where General Zollicoffer met his fate; climbing the 
mountains with our heavily laden mule teams, building bridges, 
constructing roads, and making but slow progress over the rough- 
est country that I ever saw. Several of my teams were capsized 
and rolled down a steep embankment, mules, drivers and all; 
others got mired in swamps, and it was with the greatest diffi- 
culty that they were ever extricated; but we pulled ourselves 
along in one way and another over a distance of thirty miles of 
this sort of country, and finally reached Jamestown (popularly 
known as "Jiintown"), on the southern border of Kentucky, on 
the twenty-third day of June, which place proved to be the end 
of our journey southward. 

Colonel Wolford's famous cavalry regiment, six hundred 
strong, — the most dare-devil set of fellows, probably, in the Union 
service, — together with two mounted regiments of infantry, here 
joined us and everything was made ready for a brush with the 
rebels, which was daily expected, General Morgan being reported 
just in front of us with a large force. On the 29th of June our 
pickets were suddenly attacked and driven in by the enemy, caus- 
ing the greatest excitement in camp. The long roll was instantly 
sounded; the men rushed to their companies with all possible 
speed ; the regiment was formed in line of battle at a double-quick 
by Lieutenant-Colonel Shaw, and all was ready for the fray. 
Company A, Captain Alexander, and Company C, Captain Allen, 
had been previously stationed about half a mile in front, on a 
road leading south towards the Cumberland River, where they 
had felled trees and erected a sort of rude barricade called Fort 
Alexander, in honor of the captain in command, which position 
they continued to hold. 

The battery took a position on the Columbus road, on which 
the enemy was approaching; the other regiments were just in the 
rear, while Wolford's cavalry went forward on a keen run, their 
famous commander being at least a hundred yards in front of 
his men when he passed our regiment, presenting, in connection 
with his headlong followers, a scene of the wildest excitement. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 255 

He speedily came in contact with, the enemy, — whose particular 
object at this time was the capture of our battery, — drove them 
back without bringing on a general engagement, captured a score 
or more of prisoners, and so thoroughly routed and scattered the 
enemy by his bold and vigorous dash, that they made no further 
attempt to dispute the possession of this antiquated town with 
our forces until the morning of the Fourth of July following. 

Our quartermaster's train, however, was attacked two days 
later, on its way from Green River, whither it had been for sup- 
plies, by a guerilla band of about fifty men ; but as the train was 
guarded by a company of mounted infantry from the Seventh 
Ohio, the attack was repulsed after a vigorous contest, with some 
loss on both sides, and our provisions and quartermaster arrived 
in camp unharmed the next da} r , to the great joy of the regiment, 
who were nearly out of supplies. 

On the 3d of July a battle was fought near Lebanon, which 
was a short distance to the north of us, between a portion of Gen- 
eral Carter's forces and those under General Morgan, in which 
quite a number were killed and several wounded. 

We commenced the celebration of the glorious Fourth by form- 
ing in line of battle with alacrity at half-past three a. m., our 
pickets having been again driven in, and the rebels seeming deter- 
mined to have a bout with us before we left Kentucky. And I 
think our men would as soon have fought as not on this occasion, 
being tired of the constant annoyance, and ready to prove to Ken- 
tucky bushwhackers what kind of stuff they were made of. But, 
fortunately for both sides doubtless, the rebels remained out- 
side of "Jiintown," and our forces remained inside, resting on 
their arms all day, and momentarily expecting an attack, which, 
however, was not made. And on the 5th of July, General Carter 
moved his forces northward ; first to Somerset, and then to Stan- 
ford, our base of supplies, which he continued to hold. Somer- 
set was again reached after three days of the most difficult march- 
ing we had ever experienced, a heavy rainstorm being in progress 
most of the time, rendering the movement of the artillery and 
heavy-laden army wagons well-nigh impossible. With ten mules 
on one team, and two industrious swearers to drive them, I was 
onlv able to make a distance of two rods through the mire in the 



256 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

space of one whole hour, on one occasion during the first day of 
this march, which, by the way, was on Sunday. 

Of course the army could move no faster than the wagon train 
on this march, as the rebels were immediately in our rear, ready 
to pounce upon us if a good opportunity was offered. 

Eight days of continuous marching, most of the time over the 
same route we had traveled twice, and some of it three times be- 
fore, and we were again at Nicholasville, where our regiment took 
the cars for Cincinnati by the way of Lexington. Our term of 
service had expired, but at the request of our greatly beloved 
General Burnside, we remained at Cincinnati for a week to assist 
in protecting that much frightened city from the raids of the 
somewhat ubiquitous General Morgan, who had preceded us from 
"Jimtown" to that more populous and inviting community. An- 
other journey of a thousand miles — not, however, on foot — and 
the Twelfth Regiment was again at home. 



Memorial of George H. Browne. 

[Late Colonel of the Twelfth Regiment.] 
BY pardon e. TILLINGHAST. 

Col. George H. Browne departed this life at Providence on 
the 27th day of September, A. D. 1885, in the sixty-eighth year 
of his age, sincerely lamented by all who knew him. He was a 
Rhode Islander by birth and education; thoroughly imbued with 
the history and traditions of the State, and always identified him- 
self with its best interests. Conservative, candid and outspoken, 
and an excellent judge of human nature, he was not easily de- 
ceived or led to do an unwise or even an injudicious act. To say 
that he was a wise, prudent and thoroughly conscientious man, 
is but to voice the common sentiment of all those who knew him. 

Since September of 1862, I have known Colonel Browne well, 
and been honored by his constant friendship. During the period 
of his service in the army, my duties brought me in almost daily 
contact with him; I was one of his mess during our Kentucky 
campaign, and had the opportunity to study bis character and 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 257 

habits with deliberation; while since the war I have known him 
in the walks of private, professional and political life. And for 
stalwart manliness, transparent honesty and true nobility of 
character, I can unhesitatingly say that I have not known his 
superior. 

As the commanding officer of the Twelfth Regiment, he at once 
inspired both the confidence and love of his men. His utmost 
energies were continually put forth for the efficiency and useful- 
ness of his command, while his efforts for the personal welfare 
of each individual member thereof were proverbial. Indeed, in 
the latter respect he seemed more like a kind father watching 
over the welfare of his children, than a cold military commander 
issuing the stern edicts of war. It was his daily habit to go 
about the camp and personally inspect the same, frequently mak- 
ing his appearance in the tents and huts of the privates as well 
as in the quarters of the officers, for the purpose of ascertaining 
their condition as to cleanliness and comfort; inquiring after 
the wants of the men; visiting the hospital and speaking words 
of hope and good cheer to those who were sick, and in many other 
ways seeking to minister to the welfare of his command. A sin- 
gle instance of his unselfish devotion to the good of his men illus- 
trates this characteristic. 

On Sunday, May 3, 1863, his regiment marched from Richmond, 
Kentucky, to Paint Lick Creek, a distance of twelve miles, 
through a drenching rain. Many of the men had become foot- 
sore or otherwise disabled by reason of the great amount of 
marching they had recently done, and some of these became un- 
able to complete the journey; whereupon, Colonel Browne, Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Shaw, and other field officers, gave up their horses 
to the use of these disabled ones, and themselves tramped with 
the men through the mud and rain for a good part of this dis- 
tance. 

Colonel Browne was a brave man. He faced the guns of the 
enemy at Fredericksburg where the battle waxed hottest, with as 
much apparent coolness as though simply facing his regiment on 
dress parade. A ball pierced his mantle; "the noise of battle 
hurtled in the air," and death-dealing missiles were flying thick 
about him, but he neither wavered nor blanched. Wherever his 

17 



258 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

regiment was ordered to go, thither he promptly went in front of 
it, inspiring his followers with courage both by his genuine hero- 
ism and his manly words of cheer. 

His bravery, however, was not of the ostentatious or noisy sort. 
It was more like the current of a still but deep-flowing river, 
which moves calmly but steadily onward, irresistibly drawing to 
itself, and unconsciously controlling all the lesser streams about 
it. He never paraded his virtues before his fellow-men, or posed 
as a hero or statesman for public applause. Indeed, he utterly 
scorned all attempts made by others for the sake of notoriety and 
position as vulgar and unworthy. He admired, however, and 
honestly won, the fame which follows generous and noble deeds, 
and not that which is sought after by the demagogue and the 
charlatan. He was notably considerate and courteous in his 
treatment of his subordinates in office, never seeming to com- 
mand, while in fact exercising the most perfect control. 

Colonel Browne retained an abiding interest in the men of his 
regiment to the day of his death. His greetings to them on the 
street, in the marts of trade, and especially at their annual re- 
unions, were always warm and hearty. A single incident will 
serve to illustrate his interest in their welfare. Meeting me one 
day last winter on Westminster Street, he said : "Judge, I've 
got some good news to tell you" and invited me to step into a 
bookstore which he was then passing, while he should reveal it. 

"Do you remember Sergeant , of Company ?" said he, 

his face all aglow with that expression of happiness which was 
peculiar to him. "Yes, colonel, I do; what about him?" "Why, 
he's been out West, and by diligence and skill in a profitable busi- 
ness which he there engaged in, first as clerk and subsequently as 
one of the firm, and now as the manager thereof, has actually 
made his fortune, and is to-day a rich and highly respected man. 
And he came to see me the other day and told me all about it." 
And then with much enthusiasm and honest pride in his manner, 
said: "Isn't that good news from one of our boys?" Had this 
sergeant been his own son, he could hardly have manifested more 
joy in his prosperity. 

His private benefactions to several of his men who had long 
been in indigent circumstances, are known and remembered by 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 259 

Him who said: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the 
least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." 

There was no circumlocution or ambiguity in Colonel Browne's 
methods. Whatever he had to do, he went about in a direct and 
business-like way, and prosecuted it to completion in the same 
straightforward manner. He had none of the arts or tricks of 
the demagogue, and was utterly incapable of double-dealing or 
hypocrisy. And no man whom I have ever known, more thor- 
oughly detested these base qualities in others. He had no pa- 
tience with shams or subterfuges of any sort whatsoever, and did 
not hesitate to frown upon them with indignation whenever and 
wherever they appeared. If diplomacy has been correctly denned 
as being the art of concealing one's thoughts in his language, he 
never would have made a successful diplomat; for he always said 
just what he meant, and always meant just what he said. 

Colonel Browne's abilities, both natural and acquired, were of 
a high order. He had a broad, vigorous and well-balanced mind, 
which had been thoroughly trained and disciplined to habits of 
logical and exact reasoning, and a power of analysis which led 
him to correct conclusions with almost mathematical certainty. 

He was not a superficial thinker, but always insisted on laying 
bare the very roots of the matter under consideration, and then 
gradually working upwards to natural and legitimate conclu- 
sions. His processes of reasoning were inductive rather than 
dogmatic. With such a mind, so constituted and developed, he 
was eminently fitted for positions of trust and responsibility, 
whether private or public, which fact the citizens both of his 
native town and State were not slow to learn and appreciate. 

As a legislator he was diligent, prudent and conservative, pos- 
sessing the courage of his convictions, always exerting a large 
and salutary influence by his candor, integrity and good judg- 
ment, and readily won the confidence and esteem of his associ- 
ates. Public Office was with him a public trust, to be adminis- 
tered with strictest fidelity and care. 

In his chosen profession, in which the strength of his vigorous 
manhood was spent, he attained eminence and preferment, being 
a recognized leader of the bar of this State for many years be- 
fore his death. A safe and able counselor, an ingenuous and 



260 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

convincing advocate and an honorable opponent, he brought to 
the practice of his profession those qualities which insure suc- 
cess. Quibbles and quirks and barren technicalities were an 
abomination to him as a foundation upon which to base an action 
or a defense. Like Solon, "who built his commonweal on equity's 
wide base," so he built his legal structures on the broad princi- 
ples of justice, truth and right. 

In 1874 he was elected to the high and honorable office of chief 
justice of the Supreme Court of this State by a legislature com- 
posed mainly of his political opponents, a monumental tribute to 
his integrity, learning and ability. He declined the office, how- 
ever, and remained in the profession which he had dignified and 
honored to the day of his death. 

As a private citizen he was a man of unimpeachable character, 
generous impulses, and high and noble purposes. His life was 
pure and unostentatious, and his manner frank and undisguised. 
Let us ever cherish his memory, and strive to emulate his virtues. 




Capt. Oscar Lapham. 

(From a recent picture.) 



Recollections of Service in the Twelfth Regi- 
ment Rhode Island Volunteers. 



By CAPT. OSCAR LAPHAM. 



This regiment was recruited in the summer of 1862 under the 
call of the President for volunteers for nine months. The dis- 
asters of the Peninsula, the defeat and scattering of Pope's army 
in Virginia, and the Union victory at Antietam, had followed 
each other in rapid succession, and it was evident that the vet- 
erans of the Army of the Potomac would all be required in the 
great struggle with Lee, about to take place somewhere in North- 
ern Virginia. 

It was, therefore, commonly supposed that the nine months' 
troops would be stationed in the defences about Washington, 
while the older troops, with a few rapid and masterly move- 
ments, proceeded to capture Lee's army, which had thus far re- 
fused to surrender, either in the Chickahominy swamps, in the 
valleys of the Blue Ridge, or among the hills of Maryland. 

Instead, however, of luxuriating in comfortable quarters in 
sight of the dome of the Capitol, and dining on beefsteak and 
fried eggs, and going regularly to sleep every night in comfort- 
able beds, surrounded by peaceable friends, our valiant regiment 
had, before Christmas of that year, crossed and recrossed Long 
Bridge, picketed miles of rough country in the neighborhood of 
Clouds Mills, marched in mud, rain and snowstorms down 
through Maryland from Washington to Port Tobacco, crossed 
the Potomac River in transports in bitter cold from Liverpool 
Landing to Acquia Creek, marched thence to Falmouth on the 
Rappahannock, crossed that stream on pontoon bridges under 
an artillery fire, and participated in one of the most furious, dis- 



262 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

astrous and bloody battles of the war ; it bad helped to cover the 
rear of the retreating army on a dark and rainy night in Decem- 
ber, and, while the Christmas hearths at home glowed with glad- 
ness and warmth, had begun the struggle with winter in the open 
field with salt pork and hard-tack for food, and shelter tents, or 
huts of earth walls and a cloth roof for houses. 

Taking leave of Virginia in the last days of March in the fol- 
lowing year, we entered upon entirely different scenes and du- 
ties, and engaged for the next four months in ceaseless activity 
upon a new and most interesting field. Transported by rail 
from Newport News, Virginia, to Cincinnati, and thence to Lex- 
ington, Kentucky, we began a march southward, at first through 
a beautiful, fertile country, and later, entering a broken, barren 
and mountainous region and over precipitous roads, pausing at 
last on the north bank of the Cumberland River, near the line 
of Tennessee. 

The regiment was collected from various parts of the State 
and assembled on Dexter Training Ground, in Providence, where 
it was encamped several weeks to be organized and drilled. The 
weather was fine, and the camp was gay with visitors daily, the 
dress parade especially being extensively patronized. Here was 
the first taste of camp life and military discipline. 

Late in the afternoon of Oct. 21, 1862, under command of Col. 
George H. Browne, we embarked on the train for New York, tak- 
ing the cars at Olneyville. It was a scene of much excitement. 
I was ordered to take a detachment and establish a guard at 
the place of embarkation, to hold the crowd back from the cars 
and prevent their filling the train. Friends and relatives of the 
boys begged for one more farewell ; mothers and sisters and 
wives were in tears. But the hour had struck, the die was cast ; 
the solid ranks moved steadily down through the throng within 
the impassable line, and a thousand more lives were committed 
to the chances of war. There was too much of novelty in our 
new situation, and too much anticipation of what was before us, 
to give room for any prolonged regrets on our part. There was 
just enough of mystery and uncertainty in what was before us 
to make us anxious for its development. Later on there were 
times when our curiosity was more than satisfied. When we en- 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 2(33 

countered the genuine reality we found occasions when our in- 
terest in the proceedings took a different turn, and we would 
willingly have left our share to other hands, if we could have 
done so with equal honor. 

The journey to Washington was long and tedious, and we were 
not permitted even the cheer and hospitality which greeted all 
troops passing through Philadelphia to the front. Our route 
took us by way of Harrisburg, with many long stops. Our boys 
even here did not forget their opportunities, as an occasional 
quack of a duck from the gloom of some car plainly attested. 
They took naturally to the situation with an alacrity quite as- 
tonishing for new recruits with so short a military experience. 

We encamped for a night in Washington near the Capitol, and 
next day moved up Pennsylvania Avenue and Fourteenth Street, 
across Long Bridge, to Camp Chase, in the red dirt of Virginia, 
near Arlington Heights. Here exposure, cold rains, and lying 
on the ground in Sibley tents, began to tell on many constitu- 
tions, and the hollow and feeble coughs of the poor fellows all 
over the grounds in the dead silence of the night, told plainly 
of the presence of that invisible enemy that destroys more ar- 
mies than shot and shell. 

We soon moved from here southward to Fairfax Seminary, and 
encamped on a fine southern slope overlooking the city of Alex- 
andria. We were now attached to the brigade commanded by 
Col. D. R. Wright, of New Haven, Conn., in the first brigade of 
the division of General Casey. The brigade was composed, be- 
sides ourselves, of the Fifteenth Connecticut, Colonel Wright's 
regiment, the Thirteenth New Hampshire, Colonel Stevens, and 
the Twenty-seventh New Jersey, Colonel Mindil. This brigade 
was employed in picketing beyond Clouds Mills, one regiment 
being sent out at a time, and remaining on duty twenty-four 
hours. 

At this camp, Colonel Browne began to give attention to sani- 
tary regulations, which he vigorously enforced throughout our 
term of service, often overseeing in person the details of the 
work. The men entrusted to his care were not to be permitted 
to suffer in health or efficiency from their own ignorance or care- 
lessness. This matter of cleanliness and good order in the com- 



264 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

pany streets, tents, about the cook-house, and all around the 
various camps established from time to time, became somewhat 
later the subject of the most assiduous attention and rivalry 
among the several companies, and one to which I may refer 
again. 

We had been at Fairfax Seminary but a few days when I re- 
ceived orders from Colonel Browne to report at brigade head- 
quarters to Colonel Wright, commanding the brigade, for duty 
as aide on his personal staff. I put on my best clothes and re- 
ported to what seemed to me a most tremendous and awe-inspir- 
ing presence; but I had learned one principle of military duty 
and etiquette, and that was, when in the presence of superior 
officers to stand erect and say nothing, take my orders in silence, 
salute and retire. And this I rigidly adhered to. 

The brigade headquarters at Fairfax Seminary were in the 
house of Bishop Johns, of Virginia. We found some very com- 
fortable furniture and good beds, and a splendid library adorned 
the walls. The grounds were elegant, and all the appointments 
first-class. 

There was a capital set at headquarters. Lieutenant Penrose, 
of the regular army, was chief of staff, — a wiry, restless fellow, 
chafing for a battle, thoroughly acquainted with every detail of 
the service, for he was born in the army and knew nothing else. 
A tireless and fearless rider, he led me many a ride from morn- 
ing till night without leaving the saddle, over bogs and corduroy 
roads, through swamps and brush and forest; but I had trained 
and rowed in the University boat crew, and was ready for any 
scramble, however rough. 

There was the brigade surgeon. Dr. Holcombe, of Connecticut, 
— tall and rugged, bluff and vigorous. One night, going through 
Maryland, the doctor and some more of us were looking about 
for a place to sleep. We got into a little cottage and occupied 
the parlor. By common consent we assigned the sofa for the 
doctor, while the rest stretched on the floor. This sofa happened 
to be very narrow, and rounded up resolutely in the middle, and 
it was covered with very slippery hair-cloth. The doctor got 
ready to be very comfortable after a tedious day's march, and, 
wrapped in his blankets, stretched his long frame upon this little 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 265 

sofa. Presently came a grunt of displeasure, then he grew more 
restless, and, as we were just settling down to sleep, the doctor 
bounded off the sofa with an oath, declaring he would rather 
sleep lengthwise on a bologna sausage than stay on that sofa. 

There was the chaplain, who never turned his back on a good 
meal, and never came nearer profanity than to say "Condemn 
it;" the brigade quartermaster from Connecticut, a first-rate 
fellow; a little chap named Van Saun, from New Jersey, who 
was a clerk, had a great fancy for negro delineation, and in- 
formed me he had belonged to more than one minstrel troupe. 

General Casey, commander of the division, occasionally came 
over from his headquarters in Washington, with a large and 
brilliant staff, to inspect the picket line, in which we joined, 
coming back to Colonel Wright's quarters to dinner. There 
was a handsome spread on the bishop's mahogany dining-table 
on those days, served in courses, and much high converse, for 
our Colonel Wright was an able lawyer, our chaplain had writ- 
ten for the magazines, and several of General Casey's staff were 
West Pointers. 

This was transpiring in the beautiful November days,— the 
weather was fine, the rebels at a safe distance, the scenery 
picturesque. There stretched the noble and historic Potomac; 
the bluffs on the shores and eminences in all directions were 
covered with forts and flying the Stars and Stripes; the city of 
Alexandria lay below us; the pomp of war on every hand. It 
was all strangely new. The very color of the mud seemed for the 
time a characteristic of aristoratic Virginia, a coat of arms as 
it were, for it was none of your common gray stuff, but that rich 
brick color which is the crowning glory of all our new houses, 
and its sticking qualities were simply wonderful. The Novem- 
ber haze hung over river and fort and forest, and there was 
plenty of mildly exciting service to keep the blood active and the 
appetite keen. 

On the first day of December I was returning from Washing- 
ton, and met the brigade en route to join the Army of the Poto- 
mac at Fredericksburg. We passed over Long Bridge and down 
along the river by the navy yard, across the East Branch, and 
stopped for the night just outside Uniontown. Coutinuiug 



266 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

down the left bank of the Potomac, the next night found us near 
Piscataway, which we passed the next morning, halting the 
third night near another Uniontown, which consisted of cross- 
roads and one small shanty. 

Two days more brought us to our last bivouac before beginning 
to cross the river to Acquia Creek. It had snowed all the 
afternoon, covering the ground, and the men had to pass the 
night on that ground under their shelter tents, which they had 
carried on their backs. It seemed to me a most serious situa- 
tion, and in the evening, as soon as my duties would permit, I 
went in the greatest anxiety to investigate their wretched plight. 
To my surprise all hands were gay and jolly, and as comfortable 
as need be. There was plenty of wood, and rousing fires burn- 
ing all about; the snow was brushed aAvay, and the little tents 
set up around the fires; hot coffee and rations from the haver- 
sacks were passing around, and altogether it was a bright and 
lively scene, teeming with real comfort. 

The next morning I was sent forward to find the landing. 
It was on a point of land made by a sharp bend of the river to 
the left, and was exposed to bleak winds. The brigade was 
moved down to this point and began to cross, as near as I can 
remember, about noon. It was a slow process, owing to lack of 
transportation, and night was upon us with two regiments still 
to cross. Meanwhile the cold had increased, and it became 
absolutely necessary to provide fires. All the way down through 
Maryland the most scrupulous attention had been paid to the 
protection of private property, and, with the exception of some 
individual pilfering, nothing had been taken. Now, on this cold 
plain, there were some large piles of dry fence rails, which, as 
the cold increased and the night approached, became the subject 
of earnest consideration among the shivering officers. The 
thing was argued pro and con, the constitutional lawyers being 
still scrupulous, but their compunctions decreasing in direct 
ratio to the increase of the cold. The result was in accordance 
with human nature under such circumstances — there were soon 
long lines of blazing fires upon the plain, and the boys were safe 
from further suffering. Night fell; our regiment had gone over, 
but there were still two other regiments of the brigade huddled 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 267 

around the fires, and it was uncertain whether the transport 
would return that night or not. Colonel Wright, who was still 
suffering from an injury he had received some weeks before, de- 
cided there was no need of his remaining longer, and asked some 
one of his staff to volunteer to stay to look out for the remaining 
regiments, whether they crossed that night or slept on the hither 
shore. I said I would accept that duty, and as the evening wore 
away and no transport appearing, I called the officers together 
for a council as to where they would pass the night. There was 
a sidehill near by sheltered from the wind and covered with 
evergreens, but also covered with snow. The choice was between 
that location and the present, which had the advantage of the 
blazing fires. They decided to remain where they were, and I 
started to ride back over rough, frozen ground, covered with 
ice and snow, to headquarters. My horse here cast a shoe, and 
I was obliged to dismount and lead him all the way, about two 
miles, back to quarters. 

The next day was as severe as the preceding, and I was left to 
see the last remnants of baggage, etc., across, and did not land 
at Acquia Creek till after dark. I was entirely alone, and had 
no information whatever in what direction the brigade had gone. 
There were plenty of soldiers' quarters and storehouses all 
about, but nobody knew anything about the location of our 
troops. So many thousands of troops were movingi that no- 
body took particular note of anything so small as a brigade of 
a few thousand men. Supperless and cold, dreary and lone- 
some, I cast about me for somewhere to pass that dreadful night. 
Acres of canal boats and scows and transports filled the river, 
and the best I could do was to get on board a transport, and 
going below try to find a place as much sheltered from the wind 
as possible. Here I passed the night, or what remained of it, 
upon a plank, without so much as a blanket, with mules stamp- 
ing and braying overhead, making one of the most uncomfortable 
nights in my existence. 

The next morning, after some exploration, I found our brigade 
some two miles out, on a rough sidehill, in the snow, with fires 
made of pine boughs. The smoke from these fires was blinding, 
and every soldier of the Twelfth Regiment knows what "Camp 



268 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Smoke" means. Thinking it about time for breakfast, I looked 
around to see what I could lay my hands on. I found Captain 
Longstreet, of Company B, who was my captain. He had a 
little chunk of salt pork and a handful of crumbs in the bottom 
of a cracker box ; there didn't seem to be any convenient way of 
cooking the pork, and so I devoured it raw, with the help of the 
cracker crumbs. 

Lying here three days, we had orders to move on towards Fal 
mouth, and came up with the Army of the Potomac, which 
stretched some miles up and down the Rappahannock, opposite 
Fredericksburg. This was on the evening of December 10, 1862, 
three days before the battle of Fredericksburg. Here we found 
that our brigade was to be a brigade no more, but the various 
regiments were to be sent to strengthen other organizations in 
the Ninth Army Corps, our lot falling with the First Brigade, 
General Nagle, Second Division. That night I found the 
Fourth Rhode Island, and supped with my old classmate, Capt. 
Edward P. Brown. During the night I heard the rumbling of 
the pontoon bridges as they were being transported over the 
frozen ground to the river. Weeks before, in the pleasant No- 
vember weather, I had seen these same pontoons floating quietly 
down the Potomac before we left Fairfax Seminary, and their 
whereabouts had been a subject of anxious speculation ever since 
Burnside had arrived at Fredericksburg. About four o'clock in 
the morning the boom of cannon from the direction of the river 
suggested some serious thoughts. That morning 1 reported to 
Colonel Browne, who sent me to my company as first lieutenant 
under Captain Longstreet. Thousands of troops were drawn 
out upon the plains under arms, ready to cross into Fredericks- 
burg as soon as the pontoon bridges could be laid. Heavy can- 
nonading went on all day for the purpose of clearing the opposite 
shore of rebel sharpshooters preparatory to laying the pontoons. 
We lay here all day, and here the first man I had seen wounded 
in battle was brought back from towards the river. 

The cannonade ceased at night and stillness settled down over 
that vast army, and during^ the silent watches I could hear the 
clocks in the church towers of the city tolling out the hours. It 
had seemed to me for weeks past that we were almost outside 




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3 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 269 

the pale of civilization. Living in open fields, seldom entering 
a habitable place, the total absence of ordinary comforts, biv- 
ouacking amidst snow-banks, and, above all, the apparent dis- 
regard and cheapness of human life, had served to create and 
intensify this feeling, but the sound of those bells, exactly as I 
had heard them a thousand times at home, renewed with strange 
intensity the recollection of all the peace and comfort and friend- 
ship which I had left behind, and for a time had almost forgot- 
ten. 

The next day, December 12th, we were under arms, and we 
could soon see that the army was in motion towards the river, 
and at length it came our turn. We filed out into the road and 
marched down towards the river and Fredericksburg. The city 
extends down to the water's edge and backward up sloping 
ground. Behind the city is a plain of some extent, and beyond 
this Marye's Heights, which are about parallel with the river. 
On these heights the enemy was posted. The river on our side 
is skirted by a steep bluff approaching almost to the river bank. 
On this bluff, and directly opposite the city, is the Lacy House, 
a fine old mansion which had been surrounded with elegant 
grounds and trees, all of which were now in ruins. Our artillery 
was posted for a long distance up and down this bluff, and 
commanded the entire city and the enemy's works on Marye's 
Heights. A lively . cannonade was going on across the valley, 
and, as we were filing down through a gully or defile just above 
the Lacy House, to reach the pontoon bridge, a shell from the 
enemy went through the branches of a tree over our heads. As 
I was stepping upon the bridge I met and shook hands with a 
college classmate. Gamaliel Lyman D wight, who was an officer 
in a Rhode Island battery. Troops, horses and artillery were 
crowding up to this little bridge, the top of which seemed only 
a few inches from the surface of the water, narrow and without 
railings, a floating structure held in position by anchors. It 
seemed a frail thing to support an army, but it served the pur- 
pose well. 

From the moment I entered that city until I got out of it, I 
felt a degree of helplessness and restraint, like a man with his 
hands tied, such as I think I never experienced anywhere else. 



270 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Thousands upon thousands of soldiers were huddled and crowded 
in the streets ; the city seemed packed with men, and all in a po- 
sition where they could apparently do little or nothing to defend 
themselves against attack. It seemed to me entirely within the 
power of General Lee to have thrown the army into utter con- 
fusion and rout if he had seen fit to drop a few hundred shells 
into that crowded mass. As it was, he contented himself for 
that day with shelling our troops as they approached the river, 
and endeavoring to destroy the pontoons by dropping shells 
upon them. The location of the bridges, although not visible to 
the rebels, was easily enough determined by the direction taken 
by our troops to reach them, the bluff over which we approached 
the river being in perfectly plain sight from the rebel position. 
In the course of the day they got the ranges so well that in one 
instance a regiment of infantry coming over the bluff by the 
flank was struck and some of the men evidently killed, breaking 
up the regiment quite badly. At the same time, a short distance 
above, along the bluff, was a long line of spectators in dark citi- 
zens' clothes who had come to witness the battle from what they 
had evidently supposed was a pretty safe distance. The breaks 
ing up of that line of dark-coated citizens was something mag- 
ical ; it vanished like a flock of blackbirds. 

Later in the day a regiment of cavalry, moving also by the 
flank, came slowly over the bluff to descend to the bridge exactly 
over the spot where the infantry regiment had passed. Again 
a shell struck almost in the same spot and exploded. The only 
notice taken of the occurrence was a slight swerve of the line to 
one side; not a man left his place except those prostrated by the 
shot; the line moved on as steadily and majestically as if on 
parade. And so all day long troops poured over the bluff down 
into the city and thronged its streets, until the whole place 
seemed one vast hive of armed men. 

The city itself seemed to me to be about the size of Woon- 
socket, and this comparison was settled upon as correct, between 
Captain Hubbard, of Company F, who was himself a native of 
Woonsocket, and myself. There were several churches, at least 
one printing office, and many fine residences. It seemed singu- 
lar to me how little damage the cannonade of the previous day 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 271 

had done to the town. Here and there a shot had passed 
through a building, but there was nothing that looked like de- 
struction. Fine dwellings, richly furnished throughout, bearing 
everv evidence of recent occupation, were all about us, and it ap- 
peared that the whole population, engaged in their usual voca- 
tions, had suddenly been expelled from their homes, leaving al- 
most everything behind them, probably for want of transporta- 
tion. This devoted city had suddenly found itself between two 
mighty armies as in a vise. Nothing but instant flight remained 
before those forces should close upon each other, and so the pop- 
ulation, only a day or two before, taking of their possessions 
what little they could carry in their hands, poured out upon the 
roads leading from the city towards Richmond, and found shelter 
where they could, giving up their homes to the fortunes of war. 
One family of colored people we did find who remained through 
the cannonade. They said they preferred their chances with the 
shot and shell to going south farther into the realm of slavery. 
A cannon ball went through their little house, but they were 
alive and unharmed, and cooked a johnny-cake for us. 

I had a ubiquitous little darkey boy for a servant, he came 
to me not long after we reached our position in one of the streets 
in the city, and inquired whether I would like some griddlecakes. 
The little rascal had plundered the flour barrel in a dwelling 
near by, and had got his fire and griddle in the yard, prepared 
to dispense refreshments to all comers. 

The next morning, December 13th, opened with a heavy fog 
enveloping the city and much of the valley. As everybody 
knows, the position of the Confederates back of Fredericksburg 
was a commanding one, being on an eminence and approached 
from the city, first over a plain, and then up along a steep ac- 
clivity. It is also well known that General Franklin was in 
position some three miles below Fredericksburg, where the 
ground in front of him was less difficult, and that Franklin, from 
his position, was to co-operate with the force that lay in Fred- 
ericksburg. The fog delayed operations until well into the 
morning, but finally began to lift, and we heard firing back of 
the city, in the direction of Marye's Heights. Soon troops be- 
gan to move out, aides went dashing through the streets with 



272 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

orders, one command after another gathered itself up and moved 
off, but from our position in a street running parallel with the 
river, no observations could be had of the operations. In the 
meantime artillery fire had begun on both sides, and, although 
the enemy appeared to studiously avoid firing upon any part of 
the city, and directed their attention to our guns posted on the 
bluff across the river, yet occasionally a shell fell short and came 
uncomfortably near. One dropped on a roof near by, and 
seemed to glance off and pass over our heads. This was one of 
the disagreeable situations, — to be penned up between the houses, 
unable to see anywhere in particular or to do anything whatever, 
and feel yourself under fire, and liable to be cut down like a dog, 
was extremely disturbing. I can't really say that I felt so very 
much better when I saw a mounted officer ride up to General 
Nagle, commanding our brigade, and saw the instant bustle of 
preparation, mounting in haste and galloping to different parts 
of the line. We were under way at once, and soon found our- 
selves outside the city, and marching in line of battle toward the 
field of action. We at once came under fire, and suddenly one 
of the privates in my company dropped to the ground, writhing 
as in great agony. I felt very sorry for the poor fellow, but 
could not stop to care for him. I think I directed some one to 
look after him. It turned out afterwards that the fellow was 
safe and sound, unharmed by any rebel bullet. He had evidently 
made up his mind to continue so, and adhered to his resolution 
with great fortitude. 

We advanced across the plain in line of battle at double-quick 
until we reached rising ground and came to a steep bank afford- 
ing protection from infantry fire, and here we were halted and 
ordered to lie down for a short rest. Our artillery, from its posi- 
tion on the bluff across the river, was shelling the heights in 
front of us, their shots passing over our heads, and the rebel bat- 
teries replying; hence we were under a sort of canopy, although 
not one suggestive of the utmost protection, especially when an 
occasional shot from our guns fell short and dropped upon the 
intervening ground. 

The scene was grand in the extreme. The roar of the cannon- 
ade, the hurtling of shells through the air, the rattle of musketry 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 273 

fire in our front, the shouts of officers and men, the rapid move- 
ments of large bodies of troops to be seen in various directions, 
and the playing of numberless military bands, all blended in the 
uproar. Victory seemed certain, and the more so because we 
heard the advancing fire of Franklin far to our left, which gave 
the almost certain assurance that he would soon flank the works 
in our front, and from a far better vantage ground unite with us 
in driving the enemy from the height. 

Here a mishap occurred to the left of our line which was a 
never-ending source of regret. The bank behind which we were 
sheltered presented an angle to our line, so that the two com- 
panies on the left were hidden from the others in that position, 
my company (B) being on the extreme left. I spoke to the com- 
pany commander next on our right to watch carefully when the 
regiment moved, so that we should not get broken off from the 
rest of the line. There was a ravine pretty close to our left 
which necessitated moving to the right as we advanced. Cap- 
tain Longstreet and myself were reconnoitering the lay of the 
land along this ravine for a few moments, and meanwhile a shell 
from the enemy had struck our line near where it broke around 
the angle, taking off a leg of one of the men and causing some 
confusion. Receiving no notice of the movements of the main 
part of the regiment, which was around the bend, I looked for 
it, and found it had moved on to the right, leaving the two left 
companies broken off. Colonel Browne was at the time practi- 
cally without a field officer to help him, and, as I believe, did not 
know of the configuration of the ground at the left. Major Dyer 
had been incapacitated for further service by a fragment of a 
shell, and we were left without any knowledge as to what part 
of the field we were destined. We immediately pressed forward 
in the direction supposed to have been taken by the rest of the 
regiment until we entered a railroad cut. We found our right 
had just preceded us over this ground. The cut here was along 
a sidehill with scarcely any bank on the side as we entered, but 
a high bank in front of us. This high bank was a partial shelter 
from the fire, but only partial, as it ran obliquely to the line of 
the enemy's works. We found a Maryland regiment in this cut 
that refused to stir. There was a brigadier in full uniform, ex- 

18 



274 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

horting with all the eloquence he could command, but to no pur- 
pose, so far as I saw. I afterwards learned that our orders 
were, on leaving the city, to follow this regiment. 

While advancing to the railroad cut we could hear Franklin 
thundering far down to our left, and fancied by the sound that 
his line was advancing, and we dashed ahead greatly encouraged 
by this circumstance, although chagrined and disappointed at 
our unfortunate separation from the rest of the regiment, and 
still worse at being separated from our commander, scarcely 
knowing what use to make of ourselves, except, if possible, to 
reattach ourselves to the main part of the regiment. Halting a 
few moments in the railroad cut for a breathing spell, after a 
double-quick, we scrambled up the bank to go forward. We had 
already been under quite a fire in reaching the railroad, but when 
my head passed above the top of that bank it seemed to me there 
was a perfect hurricane of lead howling, screeching and hissing 
through the air. The ground was strewn with dead and 
wounded and debris of all sorts, — haversacks, knapsacks, can- 
teens and broken muskets. It seemed to me, as I stood up, that 
the air above my head was thick enough with lead to cut my fin- 
ger off if I had held it up. I could compare it to nothing but a 
swarm of bees in the air. This, of course happened to be where 
the fire concentrated. I saw nothing like it anywhere else that 
day. I knew very well that a large proportion of all the fire of 
musketry is too high to be dangerous. If I had not been com- 
forted by that belief, acquired in previous reading, I would not 
answer for my conduct as a soldier at that particular juncture. 

Captain Longstreet, far in advance, reckless of himself, wav- 
ing his sword and shouting "Forward !" was the very picture of 
a hero. Too impetuous to wait the slower movements of the 
company, he continued to charge forward, and it devolved upon 
me to bring the company up the bank and take it over the ex- 
posed ground directly in front. I made every man bend forward 
and thus diminish the danger from rifle-balls, and I believe we 
did not lose a man in crossing at this exposed point. We now 
found ourselves on the sidehill that leads up to the crest. The 
fire slackened somewhat, and the irregularities of the ground 
were sufficient to protect our men, and here we were astray on a 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 275 

battlefield endeavoring to find the main part of our command 
without success. Anxious inquiries elicited no information, or 
were unheeded. There was no enemy to be seen and nobody to 
direct our fire, and we lay here through the mortal hours of that 
day perfectly conscious that our army could accomplish nothing 
at this point, and notified by the retreating fire away to the left 
that Franklin's movement was a failure. We knew that our 
presence was of no use, but we remained, hoping for orders of 
some kind, our men firing an occasional shot at the undiscover- 
able enemy. 

Towards sunset occurred a grand and thrilling military spec- 
tacle. This was the charge of General Humphreys's division 
from Hooker's command, which was the final effort of that day of 
great efforts and great failures. Looking away to the right and 
rear, I saw a division coming in on the double-quick, with their 
muskets on the right shoulder, glistening in the declining sun. 
As the head of the column reached the foot of this steep ascent. 
it turned to the left and stretched itself along parallel to the 
heights, faced to the front and halted. So deadly had been the 
fire that day that scarcely a horse was to be seen on the field. 
General Humphreys, however, sat upon his charger as the fire 
redoubled upon his line. I ran down to near where the general 
was preparing for the charge, and heard the orders to "Face to 
the front and lie down!" He sat in the slanting rays of the 
setting sun under the redoubled fire, coolly waiting for his men 
to gain their breath for the final effort. Presently his sword 
flashed in the air, and the orders, "Rise up — forward — guide 
centre!" rang down the line, and that line of battle started up, 
up the hill, wavering, undulating with men dropping, dropping, 
and others staggering to the rear, until it was a broken and 
ragged line. It stopped, and the final charge was over. Out of 
four thousand men, nearly half fell in a quarter of an hour. 
"Having lost," says General Humphreys, in his report, "as many 
men as my orders required me to lose, I suspended the attack, 
and directed that the men should hold for the advance line a 
ditch which would afford shelter." 

The unfortunate separation of the two left companies from 
the rest of the line deprived us of the example and direction of a 



276 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

lion-hearted leader. Throughout the day, Colonel Browne stood 
erect, disdaining shelter, observing the field and directing his 
men. A shot passed through his cape, but left the wearer un- 
harmed. Lieutenant Abbott seized the regimental colors and 
planted them far in advance of the line. Color Sergeant De- 
volve stood by, coolly saying, "You will probably fall in a few 
moments, and I will be ready to take them." Lieutenant Briggs, 
of Company A, was cut to pieces with Minie balls. Lieutenant 
Hopkins, of Company I, was struck on the instep with a piece of 
shell, and his foot was amputated. He was sent to a hospital 
in Washington, and died there. He had been sick for several 
days, and was too ill for duty the day of the fight, but his cap- 
tain, a brave and ambitious officer, had been sent to a hospital 
across the river several days before, and Hopkins refused to re- 
linquish command of his company. A shell passed in front of 
Lieut. Daniel R. Ballou, of Company C, so near his face as to 
cause concussion. Blinded and dazed, he staggered back down 
into the city and across the river. He was sent to the hospital, 
where he was confined many weeks. A Minie ball tore through 
the face of Lieutenant Lawton, of Company C, producing an 
ugly wound. Sergeant Pollard, of Company G, despairing of 
regaining the main body, joined another regiment and shared its 
fortunes, being wounded severely in the arm. He displayed 
great gallantry, and was promoted for his bravery, receiving 
honorable mention from the colonel whom he served that day. 
The loss of the regiment in killed and wounded was one hundred 
and nine, and ninety-five missing. 

After nightfall we found ourselves together again in the city 
in the position which we had left in the morning. Inquiring for 
the missing, my old schoolfellow and friend, Lieutenant Ballou, 
was not to be found, and I returned to the field to look for him. 
The night was dark, and all over the battle ground, from one 
end to the other, lay the dead and wounded, the groans and cries 
of the latter coming up from the darkness. The ambulance men 
were busy collecting the sufferers. They were carried in the 
first place and laid in rows adjacent to a road that climbed the 
hill from the city. The ambulances, one after another in a con- 
tinuous line, came past, were loaded and driven back to the town. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 277 

After a fruitless search, I mounted the box with the driver of an 
ambulance and rode back. I then saw that there was apparently 
a continuous line of these vehicles moving in a circle; as soon as 
one had received its load, another was ready. The floors of all 
the churches had been swept clean of the pews and converted into 
hospitals; the surgeons, in ante-rooms and chancels, upon im- 
provised tables, were amputating limbs and dressing wounds. 

The next day (Sunday) was one of anxious expectation. 
Huddled back into the streets and lanes of the city again, it 
seemed almost a miracle that General Lee did not attempt the 
rout of our army from his vantage ground above us and the river 
at our back. There were rumors that General Burnside had re- 
solved to range his Ninth Army Corps in column of regiments, 
and, placing himself at the head, drive that column like a batter- 
ing ram against the centre of the line on the heights, and break 
it by sheer force of numbers and impetus, but the day passed 
quietly, and so did the next. Meanwhile the ambulance men 
were busy again, emptying the churches of the wounded and con- 
veying them across the river. 

Monday night came on, dark and cloudy. In the evening we 
had orders to move. Proceeding up through the city towards 
the heights again, on the outskirts, we were ordered to observe 
the strictest silence; not a tin cup must rattle, not a loud word; 
all orders were given in whispers. We took up a position within 
a few rods of the rebel pickets with orders to hold that position 
to the last man. The inky darkness and our extreme caution 
alone shielded us from the attention of our friends, the enemy. 

Having selected our ground, Colonel Browne sent for some 
shovels to throw up earthworks, and posted a force in a brick 
building on our flank. There not being shovels enough to go 
round, I divided our company into reliefs, so as to accomplish 
the most possible. Those not employed for the time being, lay 
on the ground to the rear. 

While silently delving in the loamy soil, a rifle-shot in our 
ranks broke the stillness, followed by a groan. A man on the 
ground had carelessly discharged his piece and wounded a com- 
rade. Now we were in for it; but no! Every man held his 
breath, and all was quiet again. Suddenly a whispered or- 



278 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

der ran down the line: "Drop your shovels" — "get into 
line" — "leave everything!" We filed down into the town. Here 
and there the ruins of a burned building flickered and smoul- 
dered, but where were the legions that a few hours before peo- 
pled the thoroughfares? That city was as deserted and silent 
as the tombs. We marched on through empty streets to the up- 
per end of the town, down to the pontoon bridges, crossed over, 
and the city was alone. 




Erastus Richardson. 



ROCKY POINT. 

Verses Head Aug. 7, 1894, at the Annual Reunion of the Twelfth 
Rhode Island Volunteers. 

By. ERASTUS RICHARDSON. 



At length the Twelfth Rhode Island "Trotters" 

Have found the most delightful quarters, 

And though all else seems out of joint 

Lo, here we are at Rocky Point! 

No more the orator and bard 

Pay their respects to Beauregard, 

Nor from the workshops and the farms 

An outraged people rush to arms — 

But from the conquered southern rebs 

They turn their thoughts to "Gen." Debs, 

And other cranks whose glittering shams 

Disturb us at our feast of clams. 

In peace we contemplate to-day 

The scenes of Narragansett Bay. 

Its merry parties floating down 

From Providence to Newport town, 

Its pleasure boats and yachting crews, 

So different from Newport News, 

Make us forget with quickening blood 

The shades of Falmouth and "Camp Mud." 

Or, if our memories go back 

To days of bacon and hard-tack, 

When lions roared around the cupboard 

(I mean the pets of Captain Hubbard), 

And oyster patties, cakes and creams 

Regaled us nightly — in our dreams. 



280 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

With what delight do we recall 
Frank Ballou's luxuriant banquet hall. 
His beaming smile, his modest mien. 
And his hospitable — canteen ! 

Indeed, this day to us so dear, 
This Mecca sought from year to year, 
Derives its charm from being when 
We may trot out to view again 
Our pranks and perils, joys and woes 
And all, except our army clothes. 
For these amid the dreadful strife 
Were sacred and endowed with life, 
And might solemnify the fun 
That bubbles up in every one. 

And yet this day, with all its joys, 
Its chowder, clams, ice cream and noise, 
Can't hold a candle to the one 
When Pardon seized a dreadful gun, 
And I, with some destructive organ — 
A pen, I think! — waited for Morgan, 
Who came not to complete the trio, 
But skipped from "Jimtown" to Ohio! 
And on this day, so eloquent, 
With wit and song and merriment, 
No brighter is the laugh and joke 
Than what rolled upward from "Camp Smoke," 
Where those who were inclined to laughter 
Need have no fears of the hereafter! 
Unless within the shades infernal 
Exists the broomstick of the colonel ! 
Nor do we feel a whit more lucky 
Than when we "frogged it" through Kentucky, 
And with an appetite most hearty 
Marched bravely into Cincinnati. 
How Andrew, Amasa and I 
Enjoyed that glorious victory, 
And with what elegant bonhomie 
The captain marched with Frank and "Tommy!" 
Much of the latter I might sing, 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 281 

But it would rob Lieutenant King 
And many others of the glory 
Of telling a side-splitting story ! 

But mingled with this scene of gladness 
There is a twilight tinge of sadness. 
O, who can mark the whitening hair. 
The stooping form, the empty chair. 
That meet our vision year by year, 
Without the tribute of a tear? 
And who of us, try as we may, 
Do not anticipate the day 
When one by one our comrades brave 
Will have marched out beyond the grave, 
And God's sad angel shall anoint 
But two or three at Rocky Point! 

But I must not in hours like these 
Invoke such mournful reveries. 
Though thirty years have rolled away 
And some of you are bent and gray, 
Yet there are scores before me still 
With the same energy and will 
As when they donned the suits of blue 
And sought the front in '63 — 
Scores who would greet with vigorous arms 
Man's hostile blows, or woman's charms, 
And who would cheerfully go hence 
In our beloved flag's defense. 
Were once again the traitor's hand 
To spread destruction through the land! — 
And our dear nation scattered o'er 
There are a hundred thousand more 
As resolute and brave as you — 
Not only those who wore the blue, 
But those who donned the suits of gray, 
Who would march forth in proud array 
To quench the horrors that will be 
When law dissolves in anarchy! 

But till the devil himself breaks loose 
And fool-reformers kill the goose 



282 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Which daily lavs the golden egg, 

Till tramps are not obliged to beg, 

Loafers to work, nor thieves to steal, 

And a Bellamic "Commonweal," 

Snch as a Coxey, Debs and Swift 

Explaterates about, shall lift 

The poor and lowly from the ditch 

And everybody shall be rich! 

Until, in short, our footsteps tend 

And reach that dreadful point — the end- 

And every emblem of the free 

Shall have been swept from land and sea, 

There will be those who will delight 

To bring to mind our matchless might, 

And with what energy and will, 

What neatness, dignity and skill 

Ehode Island heroes could unjoint 

The luscious clams of Rocky Point. 



The Lamentations of the Chaplain of the 
Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers. 

Recited at teir Annual, Reunion at Rocky Point, Aug. 3, 1897. 
By ERASTUS RICHARDSON. 



We have reached the time in life 

When the trouble and the strife 
That to newly married folks are incidental 

Have completely passed away — 

And we find ourselves to-day 
In a sadder plight, both physical and mental! 

All the wickedness and fun 

And the dangers we have run 
Are absorbed, sixteen to one, in tribulations. 

This is then a fitting hour 

(For the grapes are high and sour) 
To enjoy ourselves with mournful lamentations, 

To get out of sorts and fret 

Of the tariff and the debt 
And tell what we know about "an honest dollar!" 

Like the Irishman's advice: 

"Av the dog is plagued wid lice 
Yez should clip the craythur's tail furnist his collar! 

Thus the basthe would be consoled 

And be worth his weight in gold 
And be able to defind us from our neighbors !" 

And as I am free from sin 

It is proper to begin 
The beginning of my melancholy labors. 



284 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

II. 

When you fell in love with Kate 

Your anxiety was great 
Lest you might not have the luck or pluck to get her. 

Well, you got her, I am told, 

And your woes increased fourfold, 
But the least to speak of this would be the better! 

Ere your honeymoon was spent 

You had joined the regiment 
For your sweetheart was belligerent and plucky, 

And you needed change of scene, 

So you loaded your canteen 
And proceeded from Rhode Island to Kentucky! 

But the more you marched down South 

You grew more down in the mouth. 
For you found the South to be a dreadful dry land, 

And your weary soul took wings 

To the schooners and the things 
And the girl you left behind you in Rhode Island! 

To enumerate the woes 

That you suffered, I suppose, 
Would require a day or two of constant talking, 

But you won enduring fame 

And while doing so became 
Most proficient in the manly art of walking! 

O, how oft in that campaign 

Did you warble the refrain : 
"We'll be happy when the cruel war is over!" 

But amidst your dreams of Kate 

You could not anticipate 
What came later in the days of honest Grover! 

But I must abstain from that! 

Not for worlds would I combat 
Whatsoever you have ever set your eye on ! 

And it will be wise to skip 

Matters of the cup and lip 
Appertaining to the recent scrap of Bryan ! 

Tribulation, care and strife 

Have disturbed you all vour life — 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 285 

Your bent forms, gray hairs and wrinkles plainly show it — 

But now, worst of all, alas! 

It has grimly come to pass, 
You must undergo the regimental poet! 

Ah, your struggles have been great 

With the Johnnies and with Kate, 
Yon have undergone much outwardly and inly, 

But your conflict with the bard 

Will be fruitless and as hard 
As some office seekers suffer from McKinley! 

III. 

My habit, which some have called "rhyming," 

Began in my earliest youth, 
And much has it helped me in climbing 

The rugged approaches of Truth. 
For Truth, though the sternest of Graces, 

Oft yields on her summit sublime 
Her tenderest smiles and embraces 

To those who salute her in rhyme. 
But the notes of the challenge must mingle 

And blend with the strains at her shrine, 
For rhyme is not simply the jingle 

Of words at the end of a line. 
'Tis a chord in a chorus unbroken, 

A volume of wisdom profound, 
A something which doth not when spoken 

Expire in a volume of sound. 
Sometimes my poetical labors 

Have been by my friends misconstrued 
And caused me to be by my neighbors 

Unjustly condemned and reviewed. 
My poems — now don't go to frowning 

And turn funny thoughts in your head!— 
My poems are like those of Browning: 

They seldom, if ever, are read! 
And like the late laureate Tennyson, 
And other great masters of song, 



286 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Will I and my friend, Mr. Denison, 
Reach, finally, where we belong! 

And now, having shown my credentials, 
Still dripping with Parnassian dews, 

I venture to give some essentials 

To those who would flirt with the Muse: 

IV. 

Whenever you perpetrate verses 

Beware of the newspaper chaps, 
Or your ears may be tingled with curses 

And your back with a rawhide, perhaps! 
But when by the Muse you are smitten, 

Brush up some forgotten old saw 
And let none see what you have written 

Save those who have been to the war! 
Nor single the cook or the colonel, 

But summon the boys to the feast 
And, tipping the lads of the Journal, 

Let the child of your brain be released — 
Else into the dreadful waste basket 

Your offspring be ruthlessly tossed — 
And then — O, it pains me to ask it ! — 

What will your relations have lost? 
I used to make rhymes for the papers — 

What sillier thing could one do? 
But now my poetical capers 

I hold to inflict upon you ! 
Thus, comrades, I stand up before you 

And open my rhythmical mouth, 
Believing that nothing could bore you, 

Who outtramped the tramps of the South! 



O Muse — thus I prudently query, 
For even "the lions" look weary! 

Right here shall I stop and sit down? 



TWELFTH RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 287 

Or, like a late Rhode Island resident, 
Who ought to have been the vice president, 

Continue and do it up Brown? 
And if I accomplish what he did, 
Or they did, I shall have succeeded 

In dreaming a beautiful dream! 
For all that I need at this minute, 
To get myself very much "in it," 

Is simply a sensible theme. 
Shall I sing of our trip through Virginny? 
Of the captain's demure pickaninny? 

Our Lexington circus — and such? 
But the colonel would doubtless show feeling 
And charge the poor minstrel with stealing 

The thunder he prizes so much! 
Or shall I slop over with knowledge 
As one did last June at the college? 

Ah, then you would all stand aghast, 
Or say, like the sensible Quaker : 
"My friend, if thou art a shoemaker, 

Keep silent, and stick to thy last!" 
And as I am not a deep student 
I think it would hardly be prudent 

To deal with statistical "facts." 
For they, like a midsummer dickey, 
Sometimes are provokingly sticky 

When stiffened with shoemaker's wax! 
Perhaps I might sing with sincerity 
"The grand advance guard of prosperity!" 

And close with a short epitaph: 
"Here lie — alas! don't you remember? 
The promises made last November! 

O pause, weary pilgrim, and laugh!" 
But save for a gravestone to show it, 
The old-fashioned work of the poet 

Is not in demand nowadays. 
For men have grown wise and more critical 
In matters profound and political 

And sneer at their grandfather's ways! 



288 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

And being so very much wiser, 
You do not require an adviser 

To save you from getting a fall; 
And having no need for repentance 
You see not the odd-looking sentence 

That gleams overhead on the wall! 
You see not the sentence? Don't tell of it! 
For that, my dear friends, is the "hell of it !" 

Make haste to restore your lost sight! 
Let the minstrel at once be invited, 
For the poet and soldier united 

Have often brought darkness to light! 
The one on the ramparts undaunted, 
The other with lips that have chanted 

What fate on the ceiling hath penned. 
And both, standing shoulder to shoulder, 
May quicken faint hearts to be bolder 

And ward off a terrible end ! 

VI. 

But Truth will not her bounty yield 
Unto a cold and barren field, 
And it would ill become the Muse 
To offer what you might refuse. 
If you can patiently behold 
A people's franchise bought and sold, 
Or see, with an unruffled brow, 
The honest yeoman, cringe and bow, 
And meekly bear the foulest wrong. 
In vain would be the minstrel's song! 
Ah, if you would your birthright sell, 
Then you are on the brink of hell ! 
The fires that swept imperial Rome 
Are lighted at your very home! 
The tinkling rhyme and shallow jest 
Can only reach your darkened breast. 
A bit of bluster, fuss and brag 
About the fathers and the flag, 
Mixed up with Sunday school advice, 
Will in your state of mind suffice ! 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 28f> 

VII. 

But O, this must not, cannot be ! 

For even yet we may be free ! 

The pothouse boss and lisping dude 

May now control the multitude — 

But by and by, if God is just, 

In Him we may in safety trust! 

Then shall resound from spire to spire 

The music of the poet's lyre, 

And once again from sea to sea 

A stricken nation will be free! 

VIII. 

But my medley is too long, 

And my language is too strong. 
I must therefore say a few words in apology ! 

For you must not sail away 

Up the Narragansett Bay 
Till your chaplain has repeated the doxology ! 

You are wicked! So was Job. 

And he swore and tore his robe 
And declared himself to be the worst of sinners. 

And in folly you are sunk! 

But the sire of Ham got drunk, 
And Bathsheba gladdened David's glorious dinners! 

You are vain, and love to brag 

Of your frogging with the flag! 
But not more so than your comrades of the First, 

For they boast of marching through 

Pennsylvania Avenue 
Without halting but four times to quench their thirst! 

You are mean and full of spite, 

And you are not over bright, 
But you are far more angelic than the Journal. 

For this strikes folks who are down 

With the broom of granny Brown 
And imagines that its crown is co-eternaJ ! 

19 



290 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

So you see that, after all, 

If our liberties must fall 
Unless Debs shall desolate these lovely quarters, 

And with all the other shams 

Shall appropriate the clams, 
Nothing can disturb the Twelfth Rhode Island Trotters! 

GOOD-BY. 

Till now my going is deferred, 

Although my song is sung, 
Because I dread to speak the word 

That trembles on my tongue. 
It is the word which long ago, 

When darkness filled the sky, 
You murmured tenderly and low, 

"Good-by, sweetheart! good-by!" 
But oft have you refrained to speak 

That word, when bending o'er 
The closing eye, and pallid cheek 

That love would light no more, 
And waited till the muffled roll 

Sent forth its mournful sigh, 
And then the cry burst from your soul : 

"Good-by! comrade, good-by!" 
I shrink to speak that which entwines 

So closely round the heart 
Because to use it in these lines 

Implies that we must part. 
But part we must! and so the word, 

Whate'er it may imply, 
Must from my trembling lips be heard : 

Good-by, my friends, good-by! 




Joseph W. Grant. 

(In uniform as Captain of Rhode Island State Militia.) 



Face to Face with Time. 

Read at the Twentieth Reunion of the Twelfth Rhodh Island 
Volunteers, at Crescent Park, Aug. 4, 1903. 

By ERASTUS RICHARDSON. 



I said that I could not be here. 

But here I am! It may appear 

To those who in their early youth 

Have seen a soldier stretch the truth, 

That I myself had learned the game 

While limping up the hill of fame. 

Had I, indeed, like most of you, 

A hundred thrilling scenes passed through; 

Met danger in a thousand shapes, 

And squeaked out of a million scrapes; 

Perhaps at smoke talks and camp-fires 

I might have been the king of liars! 

But it so happened that I saw 

But little of the cruel war. 

And when the cruel war was over 

I came forth from a bed of clover. 

True, I encountered, now and then, 

The doughnuts of that best of men, 

Composed of hard-tack, gudgeon grease, 

And such like things. But when sweet peace 

Dawned on the earth, he made amends, 

And now we are the best of friends. 

Often do I his home invade 

And feast on ice cream, lemonade, 

And doughnuts, too— that are not shanis — 

And, best of all— Pawtuxet clams! 



292 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

And now from Past Commander Ballou, 

Comrades and friends, I turn to you, 

And looking round me I behold 

That every one of you is old ; 

To all the boys of '63 

Old age has come — excepting me ! 

All now upon the upper shelf 

Are sprawling round — except myself! 

Ah, well do I remember when 

(We used to call him "Pardon" then) 

He was the centre of a gay 

And lovely throng — but where are they? 

I see him now a comrade nudge, 

As if I too — but he's no judge; 

For I am just as gay and hearty 

As when we captured Cincinnati, 

And sweet as when — this is no joke — 

We made our toilets at "Camp Smoke." 

I have alluded to the liars 

Who congregate around camp-fires, 

But they are harmless. All are pleased 

To see a comrade slightly teased, 

And watch the sparks that upward fly 

Like rockets from a well told lie; 

Nor do I shrink from the attack 

Of enemies behind my back. 

But of all beings that exist 

At which I always clench my fist, 

Is that whose lies of gall and brass 

Fill me with rage — a looking glass! 

O, that would rise some Carrie Nation 

To smash the mirrors of creation! 

For this informs me that I, too, 

Am quite as much played out as you. 

Therefore, my friends, in very truth, 

I came here to renew my youth, 

Or rather that I might defy 

Time as he grimly hastens by. 

He is all powerful, I know, 

And when his scythe swings to and fro, 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 293 

The flowers, so beautiful and sweet. 
Breathe out their lives beneath his feet. 
But there's a limit to his power. 
He may cut t*own the lovely flower, 
But yet its perfumes still may be 
Preserved throughout eternity. 
Beneath his touch our hair turns gray; 
Our strength grows less from day to day; 
But he is powerless to control 
The fires that burn within our soul! 
Back of the pale and wrinkled cheek. 
Within the form palsied and weak, 
Still gleams, and will forever glow. 
The flame that forty years ago 
Moved men to march from crag to crag 
Beneath our country's glorious flag. 



But I must not, in feeble rhyme. 
Say unkind things of Father Time! 
For, after all, he is in truth, 
The blessing of old age and youth. 
To noble lives unto the end 
He is indeed a kindly friend. 
What being, if he had the power, 
Would wish to stay the flying hour? 
In joy or grief, hope or despair, 
We all have faith that Time will bear 
Us onward to some other scene 
Of skies more golden, or serene. 
Nor do we trust in him in vain, 
Whate'er our pleasure, or our pain; 
Whether we gaze, with yearnings fond, 
Into the past, or the beyond, 
When our delights or griefs are past, 
He brings to us sweet peace at last! 
The halo round the golden hair, 
The cloud above the vacant chair. 
He blends and places in the sky, 
To be a blessing by and by, 



294 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Or weaves therefrom a veil of gold 

To shield our hearts as we grow old. 

Ah, not until old age appears 

Are sanctified our smiles and tears! 

Then, as our narrowing band grows less, 

With an increasing tenderness, 

We fondly greet in very truth 

The careworn comrades of our youth. 



Thus Time now meets us face to face 
And holds us in a fond embrace. 
Therefore, my friends, from year to year, 
It is our duty to be here, 
And come in spite of wind or weather, 
For Time has bound us close together, 
And, like an angel from above, 
Has turned our comradeship to love. 
Nay, more: We marched long years ago 
Towards a brave and bitter foe, 
But as we march towards the end 
That foeman has become a friend. 
The boys in blue and boys in grey 
Are marching side by side to-day, 
And all are led by Father Time 
Towards a camping ground sublime. 



A Paper said to have been Found in the Ruins 
of a once Proud and Magnificent Republic. 

Read at Woonsocket, R. I., on Memorial Day, 188G. 
By ERASTUS RICHARDSON. 



This was a favored land. Its founders, filled 
With grand impulses, and whose bosoms thrilled 
With deep and restless longings to be free, 
Had sought its shores beyond a pathless sea. 
And built their humble homes on sterile soil. 
Slowly the fields repaid their ceaseless toil, 
But still they labored on — for they were strong 
In acts as well as words — until, ere long, 
The wilderness, beneath their sturdy blows 
Began to bud and blossom as the rose. 

Then others came, impelled by like desires; 
And noble children, worthy of their sires, 
Were born; and they increased and multiplied. 
And soon the tidings went forth far and wide: 
That Heaven had furnished and divinely blest 
A refuge for the poor and the oppressed ; 
A place where men as equals met; a place 
Where titles were unknown; where every race 
And kindred might together meet and claim 
A common brotherhood ; where wealth and fame 
Were worthily bestowed; where honest toil 
Received its due reward; and on whose soil 
The tree of Liberty had taken root 
And yielded unto all its sweetest fruit. 



296 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Then, flocking to the shore from every land, 
Came countless thousands. Cities, vast and grand, 
And vieing in magnificence with those 
That were the growth of centuries, arose, 
As if by magic, where but yesterday 
The wild beast slept, or hunted for its prey: 
From hill to hill the hum of industry 
And cheerful toil went forth ; and every sea 
Was whitened by its sails. Nor this alone; 
But every tyrant trembled on his throne, 
And every patriot hailed with joy and pride 
A people who the power of kings defied ! 

Ah, yes, it was a favored land! And why? 
Whence was its glorious supremacy 
O'er all the nations of the earth? Had fate, 
Blind and capricious, nursed the infant state 
Until it burst its swaddling clothes? Ah, no! 
Its youth was full of grief, and sounds of woe 
And lamentation ceased not, till, at length, 
It stood before the world in all its strength. 

Twice from the mother-land fierce foemen came; 
And once a cruel war kindled a flame 
Of hate and passion in the souls of men, 
And for a time it seemed that once again 
The lamp of Freedom would withhold its light, 
And all would roll back into deepest Night. 
But the stern virtues, which the sires instilled 
Into their children's veins, yet lived, and thrilled 
The very weakest with unwonted zeal ; 
Heroes came forth with hearts and nerves of steel 
From every cottage — and, at length, once more, 
The din of battle ceased from shore to shore. 
No tongue can tell the wondrous joy that burned 
In every breast, when to their homes returned 
The war-worn heroes; never yet has pen 
Described the glorious hopefulness, which then 
Prevailed throughout a land redeemed and free; 
And never will the songs of jubilee, 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 297 

Which then rang out in one grand hymn of praise, 
Sound as they did in those triumphant days! 

But none forgot the cost, the dreadful cost 
Of their redemption ! Like a blighting frost 
That on autumnal nights marks on the plain 
The blackened pathway of its icy train, 
Grim War had swept across the smiling land 
And left the shadow of its cruel hand. 
And while that shadow, like a funeral pall 
Hung o'er the cottage and the marble hall; 
While lived a mother, whose fond bosom yearned 
For him who left her arms and ne'er returned; 
Till every actor in that scene of gloom 
Had passed beyond the portals of the tomb — 
Yearly the comrades marched with mournful tread 
To sprinkle flowers above their honored dead. 
And gaze, while weeping o'er the sacred dust, 
Into the future with unfaltering trust. 

At last, war's gloomy shade became effaced, 
And they who met as foes, as friends embraced. 
The blighting fires of hate began to cease. 
And when the chieftain, who had conquered peace, 
Was by a stricken nation lain to rest, 
A sweet forgetfulness filled every breast, 
And round his tomb the friend and foeman stood. 
Bound by the warmest ties of brotherhood. 

Ah, this was then a favored land indeed! 
Within its peaceful borders, every need 
Of a free people seemed to be assured ; 
Its vast and growing industries allured 
Unto its shores the learned and the skilled 
Of every clime; its granaries were filled 
To overflowing ; and from hour to hour 
It grew in wealth, prosperity and power. 
Nor were its victories confined alone 
To warlike scenes, but far more brightly shone 
Its glory in the peaceful realm of thought. 
Wisely and well, its people had been taught 



298 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

To cherish learning, and to dedicate 
Temples thereto throughout their infant state. 
And they had been rewarded. Ne'er before 
So widely as to them, had Nature's door 
Been drawn aside! 'Tis needless to rehearse 
Their wond'rous works! — In marble and in verse 
Will be preserved their memory sublime 
To the remotest boundaries of time! 

O, thrice and four times blessed are they, who fell 
Ere yet rang out their country's funeral knell ! 
Who lived not to behold a tyrant's hand 
Despoil and desecrate their fatherland! 

O ye, who in some future age may read 
The story of my country's ruin, heed 
The warnings which from out her ashes rise 
In sad and mounrful wailings, to the skies! 
If Heaven has blessed you with a bounteous store, 
Act not, as if to you alone the door 
Of Paradise must on its hinges swing! 
Touch not the toiler, either with the sting 
Of condescension, or the cruel rod 
Of tyranny ! But bend before your God 
In deep humility and thankfulness! — 
Else, they, to whom the fates have granted less, 
Goaded to madness, will rise up and smite 
You in their frenzied rage! Then, with delight 
The fiends of hell will shriek, and over all, 
Angels will sadly spread the funeral pall ! 

And, O ye toilers, if you are not slaves, 
And o'er your homes the flag of freedom waves, 
Think of your loved ones and your sainted sires, 
Ere through the land you light the awful fires 
Of civil war! Be patient, and endure 
Your present ills, rather than seek to cure 
Them by invoking from the powers below 
That which will sink you in the deepest woe ! 
Endure the wrongs of selfishness and greed; 
The bitter pangs of poverty and need; 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 299 

Aye, even death itself! — rather than fling 

Away your only hope and refuge! Cling 

To that which can alone redeem and save 

You from a fate more cruel than the grave! 

And with your deepest indignation, spurn 

Those who. in Freedom's name, would rob and burn 

Her granaries, and overwhelm at last 

Your fatherland with desolation vast! 

******* 

Blessed be the state where rich and poor abide 
By mutual hopes and sympathies allied; 
Where capital and labor, hand in hand, 
Work to one end to bless the smiling land ; 
Where wealth is tainted not by crime or fraud, 
And honest toil receives its due reward! 

And blessed are they, who plant and prune their vines 
Where Freedom's heavenly flame so brightly shines! 
For they, when having marched with mournful tread 
To sprinkle flowers above their honored dead, 
Shall gaze, while weeping o'er the sacred dust, 
Into the future with unfaltering trust! 



PART FIFTH 



PERSONAL SKETCHES. 



COLONEL GEORGE HUNTINGTON BROWNE. 

The following memoranda was kindly furnished me hy Mr. Keyes D. Browne, 
a son of Colonel Browne.] 

Col. George Huntington Browne was born in Glocester, R. I., 
Jan. 6. 1818. On his father's side he is descended from the Rev. 
Chad Browne; on his mother's side from Judge Samuel Hunting- 
ton, of Connecticut, one of the signers of the Declaration of In- 
dependence; also from the Bowditch family of Massachusetts, 
his mother's maiden name being Bowdish. His father died when 
he was but eight years of age. Commenced teaching school when 
he was fourteen years of age, teaching at different periods of 
time, until he graduated from college. Fitted for college at the 
Classical Academies of Monson and Bolton, Mass. Entered 
Brown University in 1836, and while there took a high rank in 
mathematics, graduating in 1840. This graduating class had 
many members who subsequently made a "name." Immediately 
upon graduation, he commenced the study of the law in the office 
of Hon. Samuel Y. Atwell, of Chepachet, R. I., and was subse- 
quently admitted to the Rhode Island Bar, and practiced his pro- 
fession in his native state until his demise. Represented, at dif- 
ferent times, the town of Glocester in the Senate and the House 
of Rhode Island, also served as chairman of the school board, 
and secretary of the Manton Library Association of Glocester. 
He served for eight years as United States district attorney for 
the district of Rhode Island, during the administrations of Presi- 
dents Pierce and Buchanan, and was one of the delegates from 
Rhode Island to the noted Peace Convention which met just pre- 
vious to the Civil War. Was elected and commissioned chief 
justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, but declined this 
great honor. For thirty years he was a law partner of the late 
Col. Nicholas Van Slyck, who was solicitor for the city of Provi- 
dence for nearly twenty years. His ancestors on both his father's 
and mother's side served in the War of the Revolution. W T as a 
member of the Rhode Island Historical Society, Bar Association, 



304 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

and Squantum Club. Was elected to Congress from the West- 
ern district of Rhode Island at the spring election of 1861. 
While in Congress was a member of the Committee on Privileges 
of Election, also served on other committees, and while in Wash- 
ington was tendered the position of Governor of the territory of 
Arizona, but declined same. 

Colonel Browne was twice married. His first wife was Miss 
Danforth, of Williamstown, Mass., daughter of Hon. Keyes Dan- 
forth, a member of the General Court of Massachusetts. His 
first wife died in 1859. In 1864 he married a Mrs. Lidgerwood, 
daughter of Judge Charles M. Baker, of Lake Geneva, Wis. She 
survived him. He was survived also by two of his first wife's 
children, viz. : Keyes D. Browne, of Ogden City, Utah, and Mrs. 
J. Maus Schermerhorn, of New York. 

In politics he was always a Democrat. The last few years of 
his life he remained the greater portion of the year in the city of 
Providence, and attended the Unitarian Church at the corner of 
Benevolent and Benefit Streets, while Drs. Staples and Slicer 
were pastors. His funeral was held from this church, Drs. Greer 
and Slicer officiating, his regiment marching at the head of the 
cortege, from the church to Swan Point Cemetery. 



LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JAMES SHAW, JR. 

Lieut.-Col. James Shaw, Jr., son of Gen. James and Eliza 
Field (Godfrey) Shaw, was born in Providence, R. I., Sept. 25, 
1830. His ancestors on his father's side came from Scotland. 
His grandfather, Capt. James Shaw, was a well-known sea cap- 
tain, and commanded vessels trading with the East Indies. On 
the maternal side he is descended from the early settlers of Rhode 
Island, among his ancestors being Roger Williams and six of 
"the twelve beloved friends and neighbors" with whom he divided 
the land bought of Canonicus and Miantinomi, viz. : Stukeley 
Westcott, William Arnold, John Greene, William Harris, William 
Carpenter and Richard Waterman. General Shaw's great grand- 
father on his mother's side was a Revolutionary soldier. His 
father commanded the First Light Infantry from 1830 to 1835, 
and ordered the firing on the mob in 1831, the first instance in 
the country where a mob had been suppressed b}^ the militia; was 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 305 

active on the side of "law and order"' during the '"Dorr War," 
and was afterwards commander of the First Brigade Rhode Is- 
land Militia. 

Gen. James Shaw, Jr., was educated in the public schools of 
Providence, graduating from the High School in 1846. He was 
an active member of the First Light Infantry from 1850 to 1857. 
At the commencement of the Rebellion, being unable to go with 
the First Regiment, he suggested to the citizens of the Sixth 
Ward the formation of ward companies for the purpose of learn- 
ing to drill. He was made first lieutenant and then captain of 
the Sixth Ward Guards. This example was followed by every 
ward in the city and every town in the State. 

Owing to Captain Shaw's exertions a regiment was formed 
from these companies and he was elected colonel. In the Spring 
of 1862 the following dispatch was received from the Secretary 
of War: ''Enemy advancing on Washington; send every avail- 
able man immediately," and Colonel Shaw was called on by the 
governor to organize the Tenth Rhode Island Volunteers. In 
thirty hours after the call a. regiment was formed, armed, clothed, 
equipped, and en route for Washington. Waiving the right to 
the command. Colonel Shaw asked for one who had received a 
military education for colonel, and took the lieutenant-colonelcy 
May 26, 1862; was promoted to colonel August 6th of the same 
year, and served in the defences of Washington. At the end of 
three months the command was mustered out. He re-entered 
the service Dec. 31, 1862, as lieutenant-colonel of the Twelfth 
Rhode Island Volunteers, and served with the Ninth Army Corps 
before Fredericksburg, Newport News, and in Kentucky. 

When the Twelfth Regiment was mustered out he appeared 
before "Casey's Board," and was the fifth out of seven hundred 
examined to receive the grade of colonel, and was appointed Oct. 
27, 1S63, to the command of the Seventh United States Colored 
Troops. He joined the regiment Nov. 12, 1863, in Maryland ; 
was post commander at Jacksonville, Fla. ; commanded brigade 
in the expedition to Cedar Creek and Camp Melton ; participated 
in the battle on John's Island ; was commended for wisdom and 
bravery in action ; returned to Virginia and moved on Richmond ; 
he commanded First Brigade, Third Division, Tenth Army Corps, 
Aug. 13 to 21, Aug. 25 to Sept. 25, and Oct. 25 to Dec. 4, 1864 ; 

20 



306 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

commanded First Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-fifth Army 
Corps, from its formation, Dec. 4, 1864, until it was disbanded in 
1866. Commanded Second Division, Twenty-fifth Army Corps, 
Feb. 21 to March 13, 1865, and participated in the capture of 
Petersburg and the triumph at Appomattox. He commanded 
the sub-district of Victoria and Central District of Texas from 
Feb. 21 to May 9, 1866, and was mustered out with his regiment 
Nov. 16, 1866, bearing on his flag, by authority, the names of the 
battles of Cedar Creek, Baldwin, Kingsland Road, Fuzzel's Mills, 
White Point, John's Island, Fort Gilmer, Darbytown Road, 
Armstrong's Mills, Petersburg, and Appomattox Court House. 

General Shaw was brevetted brigadier-general for "meritorious 
services during the war," to date from March 13, 1865. The 
record of this regiment of colored troops forms a valuable and 
brilliant page in the history of the war. 

In August, 1870, General Shaw was appointed collector of cus- 
toms of the port of Providence, R. I., and filled the office until 
Feb. 1, 1879. He has been a member of the National Encamp- 
ment of the Grand Army of the Republic from its organization, 
and was chairman of the committee that prepared the rules, reg- 
ulations, and ritual unanimously adopted by the Encampment at 
Cincinnati in 1869. He is a member of the Massachusetts Com- 
mandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion. 

General Shaw married, Sept. 22, 1853, Elizabeth Williams, 
daughter of James and Amanda (Potter) Fisher, of Pawtuxet, 
R. I. They have had three children, — James, Walter Arnold 
(died May 3, 1873), and Howard Armington (died Dec. 22, 
1894). 



MAJOR CYRUS G. DYER. 

Major Cyrus G. Dyer was born in Providence, R. I., and was 
graduated from the Providence High School in the class of 1846 ; 
was commissioned first lieutenant and quartermaster First Rhode 
Island Detached Militia, April 18, 1861; captain Company A, 
Second Rhode Island Infantry, June 1, 1861; major Twelfth 
Rhode Island Infantry, Oct. 10, 1862; mustered out July 29, 1863; 
later was captain Twenty-sixth United States Colored Troops. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 307 

SURGEON BENONI CARPENTER. 

Benoni Carpenter, M. D., was born in Rehobeth, Mass., March 
12, 1805, and was the son of Caleb and Hannah (George) Car- 
penter. He attended the public schools of his native town in his 
youth and pursued his preparatory studies for Brown University 
under the tuition of Rev. Thomas Vernon, then a minister in Re- 
hoboth. He entered that institution in the class of 1829. He 
also attended the lectures of the Jefferson Medical College in 
Philadelphia, where he received his diploma in March, 1832. 
After leaving college he immediately commenced the study of 
medicine in Providence, with Dr. Usher Parsons. He soon 
afterwards settled in Seekonk, Mass., in the practice of his 
profession, and remained there till 1837, when he removed to 
Pawtucket, which continued to be his residence to the end of his 
life. He was a successful practitioner, and both in Massachu- 
setts and Rhode Island was an active and progressive member 
of the Medical Society. He was also an earnest champion of 
temperance and of popular education. 

Dr. Carpenter entered the service of his country in the Civil 
War as surgeon of the Twelfth Rhode Island Infantry, and 
served with it during its term of service until its final muster 
out. His son, Frank H. Carpenter, was hospital steward in this 
regiment. He again entered the service as surgeon of the Four- 
teenth Rhode Island Heavy Artillery (Colored). He made his 
headquarters with the Third Battalion of that regiment, at Camp 
Parapet, La. Here, in addition to the duties of surgeon of the 
post, he was appointed acting medical director and inspector of 
the District of Carrolton in Louisiana. Lieutenant-Colonel Viall 
pays this just tribute to Dr. Carpenter: "To Dr. Benoni Car- 
penter, surgeon of the regiment, great credit was due for his skill- 
ful and efficient efforts for the care of the sick." He was mus- 
tered out with his regiment Oct. 2, 1865. 

After the war he resumed the practice of his profession in 
Pawtucket, R. I. He was for several years a member of the 
school committee of the old town of Pawtucket, and served his 
constituency in both branches of the General Assembly of Rhode 
Island. He was a member of the Board of State Inspectors 
from 1869 to 1877. 



308 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Dr. Carpenter was married in June, 1833, to Miss Adelaide 
Everett, of Wrentham, Mass. By a mysterious dispensation of 
Providence he and his wife died within a few days of each other. 
His wife after a long illness died Nov. 17, 1877. Her funeral was 
to have taken place on the Tuesday following. On the morning of 
that day Dr. Carpenter appeared to be in his usual health, but 
day Dr. Carpenter appeared to be in his usual health, but shortly 
shortly after breakfast he was seized with a fit of apoplexy, and, 
after breakfast he was seized with a fit of apoplexy, and, despite 
despite the best of medical attendance, remained in an unconscious 
state until the next morning (November 22d), when he died. The 
funeral of his wife was postponed in consequence of his sudden 
demise, and his six children — four sons and two daughters — 
who were called together for the first time in twelve years by 
the death of their mother, followed a few days later both of their 
parents to the grave at the same time, the double funeral oc- 
curring at the Congregational Church in Pawtucket, Nov. 23, 
1877. 



REV. SAMUEL WHEELER FIELD. 

Chaplain Samuel Wheeler Field, the son of David and 
Phebe Field, was born in North Yarmouth, Maine, April 28, 1813. 

He was graduated from Colby University and Newton Theo- 
logical Institution. 

He married Aug. 26, 1840, Elizabeth Earl Horton, of Boston. 

He served as pastor of the Baptist Church in Hallowell, Maine; 
Methuen, Mass., and Providence, R. I. 

He volunteered as chaplain of the Twelfth Rhode Island Vol- 
unteers Oct. 15, 1802, and served in Virginia and Kentucky and 
was mustered out with the regiment July 29, 1863. 

He died Oct. 28, 1887. 



PART SIXTH 



ROSTER 



OF THE 



Twelfth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers. 



John Turner. 



Henky King. 



FIELD AND STAFF. 

Colonel. 
GEORGE H. BROWNE. 

Lieutenant-Colonel. 
JAMES SHAW, Jr. 

Major. 
CYRUS G. DYER. 

Adjutants. 

Matthew N. Chappeix. 

Quartermaster. 
John L. Clarke. 

Surgeon. 
Benoni Carpenter. 

Assistant Surgeons. 
Samuel M. Fletcher. 



Oscar Lapham. 



Prosper K. Hutchinson. 



Chaplain. 
Samuel W. Field. 



Note. — This Roster is a transcript from the Revised Edition of the Adjutant-Generals 
Report for 1865. 



312 



HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 



Captains. 



Edward S. Cheney, (Co. A.) 
Christopher H. Alexander, (Co. A.) 
James M. Longstreet, (Co. B.) 
James H. Allen, (Co. C.) 
George C. Almy, (Co. D.) 
John P. Abbott, (Co. D.) 



John J. Phillips, (Co. E.) 
William E. Hubbard, (Co. F.) 
William C. Rogers, (Co. G.) 
Oliver H. Perry, (Co. H.) 
George A. Spink, (Co. I.) 
Oscar Lapham, (Co. K.) 



First Lieutenants. 



Richard A. Briggs, (Co. A.) 
John Sanford Roberts, (Co. A.) 
Christopher H. Alexander*, (Co. A.) 
Edward F. Bacon, (Co. A.) 
Oscar Lapham, (Co. B.) 
James M. Pendleton, (Co. B.) 
Albert W. Delanah, (Co. B.) 
Jules Macheret, (Co. C.) 
George F. Bicknell, (Co. C.) 
George Bucklin, (Co. C.) 
William H. King, (Co. D.) 
George H. Taber, (Co. D.) 
George F. Bicknell, (Co. E.) 



Christopher H. Alexander, (Co. E.) 
Edward F. Bacon, (Co. E.) 
Luther Cole, Jr., (Co. E.) 
George F. Lawton, (Co. F.) 
William H. King, (Co. F.) 
William C. Rogers, Co. G.) 
Matthew N. Chappell, (Co. G.) 
James A. Bo wen, (Co. G.) 
Arnold F. Salisbury, (Co. H.) 
Stephen M. Hopkins, (Co. I.) 
William H. King, (Co. I.) 
Munson H. Najac, (Co. I.) 
Edmund W. Fales, (Co. K.) 



Second Lieutenants. 



John Sanford Roberts, (Co. A.) 
Edward F. Bacon, (Co. A.) 
George Bucklin, (Co. A.) 
Joseph C. Whiting, Jr., (Co. A.) 
Albert W. Delanah, (Co. B.) 
Fenner H. Peckham, Jr., (Co. B.) 
Charles M. Winchester, (Co. B.) 
Matthew N. Chappell, (Co. C.) 
John P. Abbott, (Co. C.) 
Daniel R. Ballou, (Co. C.) 
Beriah G. Browning, (Co. C.) 
George H. Taber, (Co. D.) 
Luther Cole, Jr., (Co. E.) 
Henry M. Tillinghast, (Co. D.) 
Christopher H.,Alexander> (Co. E.) 



Edward V. Westcott, (Co. E.) 
George Bucklin, (Co. F.) 
Francisco M. Ballou, (Co. F.) 
Edward P. Butts, (Co. G.) 
Daniel R. Ballou, (Co. G.) 
Joseph Pollard, (Co. G.) 
Fenner H. Peckham, Jr., (Co. G.) 
James A. Bowen, (Co. H.) 
George Bucklin, (Co. H.) 
James A. Williams, (Co. H.) 
Munson H. Najac, (Co. I.) 
Fenner H. Peckham, Jr., (Co. I.) 
John H. Weaver, (Co. I.) 
James M. Pendleton, (Co. K.) 
Charles H. Potter, (Co. K.) 




Capt. William E. Hubbard. 

(From a recent picture.) 



Twelfth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers. 



Abbott. John P., Capt. Co. D; Res., Warren, R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Sgt. Maj. Mustered 
out as Sgt. Maj. and mustered in as 2d Lt. to date Nov. 4, 1862; Nov. 
11, 1862, assigned as 2d Lt. to Co. C. Mustered out as 2d Lt. and mus- 
tered in as Capt. to date Dec. 22, 1862. Assigned to Co. D.; June 16, 
1863, resigned. 
Achison, George, Jr., 1st Sgt. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Sgt.; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 
Achison, James, Priv. Co. A.; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 

enrolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Achison, William, Corp. Co. A.; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 22, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital 
from Jan. 26, 1863, until May, 1863; May 4, 1863, detached for service 
in Invalid Corps, Finley Hospital, Washington, and so borne until 
July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Adams, James B., Sgt. Co. G; Res., Providence, R. 1.; Sept. 17, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at Nich- 
olasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Adams, Joseph A., Corp. Co. K; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 23, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; June, 1863, sent to hospital 
and borne as absent sick until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Albert, Charles H., Sgt. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp.; April 
17, 1863, promoted Sgt. Borne on detached service at Nicholasville, 
Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Albro, Benjamin, Priv. Co. C; Res., Exeter, R. I.; Sept. 28, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as absent sick in hospital from Dec. 
29, 1862, until Feb. 11, 1863, when he was discharged for disability at 
Portsmouth Grove, R. I. 

Albro, George T., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Aldrich, Joseph W., Drummer Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Aldrich. Moses B., Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



314 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Alexander, Christopher H., Capt. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 
13, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 9, 1862, commis- 
sioned 2d Lt. Co. E. Mustered out as 2d Lt. and mustered in as 1st 
Lt. to date Dec. 24, 1862; Feb. 15, 1863, transferred to Co. A as 1st Lt. 
in command of Co.; April 17, 1863, commissioned Capt. and mustered 
in April 29, 1863. Borne on special duty on court-martial from June 
29, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Allen, Ambrose L., Sergt. Co. K; Res., East Providence, R. I.; Sept. 30, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp.; 
Feb. 7, 1863, promoted Sgt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Allen, Benager S., Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Allen, George H., Corp. Co. F.; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 8, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Allen, James H., Capt. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 4, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 13, 1862, commissioned Capt. 
Borne on special duty as Provost Marshal at Jamestown from June 
23, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Almy, George C, Capt. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 2, 1863, discharged on tender 
of resignation. 

Ambruster, Adolphus, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 9, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Anderson, David, Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1863, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Anderson, James, Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Anderson, James, Priv. Co. 1; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Andrews, Charles H., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 7, 1863, until July, 1863. Rejoined the Reg't; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Andrews, Jeremiah, Priv. Co. K; Res., Scituate. R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, en- 
rolled, Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Andkews, John F., Musician Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Oct. 4, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
March 27, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Andrews, William A., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 10, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Angell, Alfred, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Anthony, George R., Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Ardean, Thomas. See Thomas Arden. 

Ardean, William. See William Arden. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 315 

Abden, Thomas, Priv. Co. G; Res., Portsmouth, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Abden, William. Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. 1; Sept. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Abnett, Henry, Priv. Co. H; Res., Smithfield, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Arnold, Barton, Priv. Co. F; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 1, 1862, left at Camp Casey, 
near Fairfax Seminary, Va., and borne as sick from that time until 
March 9, 1863, when he returned from hospital and reported for duty; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Arnold, George W., Sgt. Co. I; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 8, 1862, died of fever at Fair- 
fax Seminary. 

Arnold, James H., Corp. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 1, 1863, promoted Corp. 
Borne on detached service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, 
until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Arnold, Lewis G. Jr., Corp. Co. I; Res., Smithfield, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in eye at 
the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., sent to General Hospital, Washing- 
ton, D. C, and borne as absent sick until April 21, 1863, when he re- 
turned from hospital; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Arnold, William H., Priv. Co. K; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Oct. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg; Feb. 7, 
1863, sent to hospital and borne as absent sick until July, 1863; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 

Ashton, Stephen, Priv. Co. I; Res., Providence, R. 1.; Sept. 12, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Atwood. Thomas, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Austin, Charles, Priv. Co. B; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 15, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital 
from Dec. 29, 1862, until April 20, 1863, when he was discharged for 
disability at General Hospital. 

Austin, George W., Priv. Co. K; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 29, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, killed at the 
battle of Fredericksburg. 

Austin. Joseph 0., Priv. Co. F.; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 28, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as teamster from Nov. 2, 
1862, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Austin, Stephen O., Priv. Co. F; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
June 4, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1S63, mustered out. 



316 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Babcock, Francis E. H., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, on ammunition train. 
Borne on detached service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, 
until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Babcock. Samuel 1st Sgt. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 27, 1863, died of typhoid fever 
at Reg't'l Hospital, Newport News, Va. 

Babsok. Erastus W., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. 1.; Sept. 24, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 1, 1862, detailed as Reg't'l 
Armorer and so borne until May 28, 1863, when he returned to Co.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bacheller, Henry C, Sgt. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 8, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec, 1862, wounded in action and 
borne as absent sick from Dec. 15, 1862, until March 14, 1863, when he 
was discharged for disability from Lovell General Hospital, Ports- 
mouth Grove, R. I. 

Bacon, Edward F., 1st Lt. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as 1st Sgt. 
Mustered out as 1st Sgt. and mustered in as 2d Lt. to date Dec. 24, 
1862. In command of Co. from Jan. 17, 1863, until Feb. 15, 1863. 
Mustered out as 2d Lt. and mustered in as 1st Lt. to date March 2, 
1863; March 7, 1863, assigned to Co. E; April 26, 1863, transferred to 
Co. A as 1st Lt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Baggett, Martin, Musician Co. H; Res., Smithfield, R. I.; Oct. 7, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as absent on furlough for 
thirty days from March 15, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bagnall, Samuel, Priv. Co. E; Res.. Warren, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bailey, Samuel, Priv. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bailey, Thomas W., Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 5, 1863, died in Reg't'l 
Hospital at camp near Falmouth, Va. 

Bailey, William, Priv. Co. A; Res., Westerly, R. I.; Sept. 28, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Baker, Charles K., Priv. Co. H; Res., Smithfield, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled. Name not found on rolls of War Dept., Washington, D. C. 

Baker, James M., Priv. Co. B; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 11, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Balaam, James, Corp. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Ball, Augustus, Sgt. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1862, mustered out. 

Ball, George, Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital at Wash- 
ington, D. C, from Feb. 8, 1863, until April 4, 1863, when he was dis- 
charged for disability at Washington, D. C. 




Lieut. Francisco M. Ballou. 

(From a recent picture.; 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 317 

Ball. Noah, Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
March 26, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Ball, Theodoee B., Priv. Co. B; Res., New Shoreham, R. 1.; Oct. 7, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in cheek 
at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and sent to General Hospital; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Ball, William, Priv. Co. D; Res.. New Shoreham, R. 1.; Sept. 27, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec, 1862, sent to General Hos- 
pital at Washington, D. C, and borne as absent sick until March 19, 
1863, when he was discharged for disability at Washington, D. C. 

Ballou, Arnold B., Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded 'at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick in hospital 
from that time until March 18, 1863, when he was discharged for 
disability. 

Ballou, Daniel R., 2d Lt. Co. C; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Priv. Co. K; 
Nov. 9, 1862, promoted Sgt. Maj. Mustered out as Sgt. Maj. and mus- 
tered in as 2d Lt. to date Nov. 20, 1862; Nov. 29, 1862, assigned to Co. 
G; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., sent 
to hospital and borne as absent sick until Feb., 1863, when he returned 
to Co.; Dec. 30, 1862, transferred to Co. C as 2d Lt.; April 25, 1863, 
resigned. 

Ballou, Francisco M., 2d Lt. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 8, 18"62, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Sgt.; 
Jan. 1, 1863, promoted 1st Sgt. Mustered out as 1st Sgt., and mus- 
tered in as 2d Lt. April 30, 1863, to date March 7, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Barbage, Michael, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service as pro- 
vost guard from Nov. 5, 1862, until Jan., 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Barber, Matthew S., Priv. Co. C; Res., Richmond, R. I.; Sept. 14, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Barber, William E., Priv. Co. K; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 23, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Barden, Newell S., Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Barlow, William F., Priv. CO. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Barnes, William H., Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. 1.; Aug. 26, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Barnum, Isaac, Sgt. Co. E; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Barry, John, Priv. Co. H; Res., Smithfield, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



318 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Bartlett, Jekemiah B., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 16, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Barton, William E., Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 8, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bassett, Chables H., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bassett, William, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, trans- 
ferred from the 11th Reg't R. I. Inf. Borne as absent sick in hospital 
at Washington from Dec. 29, 1862, until Jan. 3, 1863, when he was 
discharged for disability. 

Bateman, Nicholas S. See Nicholas S. Baton. 

Baton, Nicholas S., Priv. Co. I; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service with 
supply train from March 14, 1863, until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Baxtee, Daniel, Musician Co. G; Res., Phenix, R. I., Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at Nich- 
olasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Belcher, Andrew M., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as clerk in Brig. Q. M. 
Dept. from Nov., 1862, until Jan., 1863; Feb., 1863, forage master and 
so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bennett, Adams J., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. 1.; Sept. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 30, 1863, died of disease in 
hospital at Baltimore, Md. 

Bennett, Allen H., Corp. Co. I; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; April 8, 1863, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bennett, Eli A., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bennett, Israel H., Priv. Co. I; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bennett, Timotht, Priv. Co. H; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Name not found on rolls of 
War Dept. as of Co. H, 12th R. I. Inf. Investigation fails to elicit 
further information. 

Bennett, Zephaniah, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 
22, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in Union 
Hospital, Philadelphia, from Dec. 1, 1862, until July, 1863; July 29, 

1863, mustered out. 

Bentley, Albert H., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, on ammunition train. 
Borne on detached service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, 
until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Benton, Ephraim. See Ephraim Burton. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 319 

Benway, Paul, Priv. Co. K; Res., Harrisville, R. 1.; Aug. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 15, 1863, detached on ammu- 
nition train and so borne until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Beret, Lewis, Priv. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 1, 1862, left in hospital at Fairfax 
Seminary, Va., and borne as absent sick from that time until Jan. 16, 
1863, when he returned to duty; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bickerton, John, Priv. Co. H; Sept. 15, 1862, enrolled at Scituate, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached on ammunition 
train and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bicknell, Geoege F., 1st L.t. Co. C; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 12, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as 1st Lt. Co. 
E; Dec. 30, 1862, transferred as 1st Lt. to Co. C. Borne as sick in 
hospital from Feb. 10, 1863, until May 20, 1863, when he was dis- 
charged for disability. 

Bisbee, Joseph A., Priv. Co. K; Res., East Providence, R. I.; Sept. 30, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bishop, Martin Van Buben, Priv. Co. K; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Oct. 4, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 7, 1863, died of 
disease at Newport News, Va. 

Blake, Leonabd B., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Blakely, Joseph, Priv. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 12, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Blanchaed, Jeremiah, Priv. Co. A; Res., Charlestown, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Blanchard, Joseph, Priv. Co. C; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted at Provi- 
dence, R. I. 

Blanchard, Rufus K., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bliss, Gilbert S., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bliss, Henry A., Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; April, 1863, assigned to Co. K; 
April 25, 1863, transferred to Co. G. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from May, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Bliss, Josiah E., Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted at Provi- 
dence, R. I. 

Blount, Jubal, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. 1.; Sept. 21, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Boehne, Charles F. ( Priv. Co. H; Sept. 27, 1862, enrolled at Hopkinton, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; May, 1863, on supply train; July 29, 

1863, mustered out. 



320 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Bolsteb, Adfeb S., Wagoner Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Boode, Julius, Priv. Co. B; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Booth, William, Priv. Co. B; Oct. 6, 1862, enrolled at Cranston, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered* in. Borne as sick in hospital at Fort Wood, 
N. Y., from Dec. 1, 1862, until Jan. 3, 1863, when he was discharged 
for disability. 

Booth, William J., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bobden, Julius. See Julius Boode. 

Boss, Jonathan M., Priv. Co. H; Res., Smithfield, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Boss, Malachi A., Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Boswobth, Edwabd T., Corp. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 23, 1863, appointed Corp.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Boswobth, William C, Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. L; Sept. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bottomly, John, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bowden, John P., Priv. Co. K; Res., East Providence, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 1*3, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Jan. 24, 1863, until May 18, 1863, when he was discharged for disabil- 
ity at Lovell General Hospital, Portsmouth Grove, R. I. 

Bowen, James A., 1st Lt. Co. G; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as 2d Lt. Co. H; 
April 17, 1863, promoted 1st Lt.; April 26, 1863, assigned to Co. G. 
Borne on detached service as provost guard at Nicholasville, Ky., from 
April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bowen, James M., Corp. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Bowen, Samuel L., Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 17, 1863, detached with sup- 
ply train and so borne until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bowebs, John C, Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled. Name not found on rolls of War Dept. as of Co. G, 12th R. I. 
Inf. 

Bowman, Chaeles E., Priv. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 1, 1862, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick from that time until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Bbady, Patbick, Priv. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 9, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 321 

Bran, Hiram, Priv. Co. D; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bean, Nathan, Priv. Co. D; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
March 26, 1863, until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Brannan, Hugh. See Hugh Brennan. 

Bbayman, David, Priv. Co. P; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 9, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Brayton, Benjamin, Corp. Co. I; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 12, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 28, 1862, promoted Corp.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Brennan, Hugh, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. 1.; Oct. 7, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as absent sick in hospital 
from Dec. 1, 1862, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bbickerton, John. See John Bickerton. 

Briggs, Richard A., 1st Lt. Co. A; Res., Smithfield, R. I.; Oct. 11, 1862, 
commissioned and mustered in as 1st Lt. to date Oct. 10, 1862; Dec. 
13, 1862, killed at the battle of Fredericksburg. 

Briggs, Samuel, Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Britton, George, Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Britton, Henry, Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service as pro- 
vost guard from Nov. 5, 1862, until Jan., 1863; May 11, 1863, detached 
on supply train and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Brown, Benjamin F., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13. 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly wounded 
at Fredericksburg; March 25, 1863, detached on ammunition train 
and so borne until June 14, 1863, when he reported for duty; July 29, 
1863, mustered out. 

Brown, Daniel, Corp. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as absent sick in General Hospital 
at Portsmouth Grove, R. I., from Dec. 15, 1862, until March 14, 1863, 
when he was discharged for disability. 

Brown, Francis, Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 1, 1862, detailed as chief 
armorer; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, sent 
to hospital and borne as absent sick until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Brown, Frederick, Priv. Co. D; Res., North Kingstown, R. 1.; Oct. 1, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
21 



322 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Brown, George A., Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Dec. 15, 1862, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Brown, George E., Priv. Co. A; Res., Smithfield, R. 1.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at Fred- 
ericksburg. Borne as sick in hospital from March 26, 1863, until 
July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Browne, George H., Col.; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, commis- 
sioned; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on furlough for seven days 
from Feb. 27, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Brown, George W., Priv. Co. K; Res., East Providence, R. I.; Sept. 30, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Brown, Herman, Priv. Co. H; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted at Provi- 
dence, R. I. 

Brown, Isaac, Sgt. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 1, 1862, sent to hospital; Feb. 12, 

1863, discharged for disability from hospital at Fort Wood. 
Brown, John B., Priv. Co. K; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, enrolled; 

Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from Feb. 7, 
1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Brown, Lewis, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Brown, Otis L., Priv. Co. D; Res., Little Compton, R. I.; Sept. 11, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Nov. 30, 1862, until April 6, 1863, when he was discharged for dis- 
ability at Washington, D. C. 

Brown, Thomas W. D., Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 
20, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly 
wounded at Fredericksburg; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Brown, William D., Priv. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 6, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

"Brown, William H. H., Priv. Co. B; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Browning, Beriah G., 2d. Lt. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 18, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp.; 
Jan. 1, 1863, promoted Ord. Sgt. and transferred to Co. G; April, 1863, 
promoted 2d Lt; April 29, 1863, transferred as 2d Lt. to Co. C; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bryant, John, Priv. Co. I; Res., Cumberland, R. 1. ; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; April 8, 1863, sent to hospital and 
borne as sick until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bryant, Perry R., Priv. Co. H; Res., Charlestown, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Taken prisoner at the battle 
of Fredericksburg; Dec. 16, 1862, paroled, sent to Annapolis, Md., 
and borne as absent in Parole Camp until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 323 

Buck, George W., Priv. Co. A; Res., Westerly, R. I.; Oct. 8, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Buck, George W., Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 11, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as on ammunition train 
from March, 1863, until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Buck, John H., Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct 1 1862, enrolled; 
Oct 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital at Washington, 
from Dec. 29, 1862, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bucklin, George, 1st Lt. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 13, 1*462, mus- 
tered in; Oct 9, 1862, commissioned 2d Lt. of Co. F. Borne as absent 
sick from Jan., 1863, until March, 1863; March 7, 1863, transferred as 
27i Lt. to Co. A; June 2, 1863, transferred as 2d Lt. to Co. H; June 3, 
1863, promoted 1st Lt. Mustered in as 1st Lt. to date June 15, 1863, 
and transferred as 1st Lt. to Co. C; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bucklin, George, Priv. Co. K; Res., East Providence, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, Va., sent to hospital and right foot amputa- 
ted; Jan. 9, 1863, died from effects of wounds. 

Buddington, John, Priv. Co. G; Res., Hopkinton, R. 1.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Jan., 1863, until May 5, 1863, when he was discharged for disability 
at Portsmouth Grove Hospital. 

Bunn, George, Priv. Co. C; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Bunting, William, Priv. Co. B; Res., Fall River, Mass.; Sept. 24, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Burdick, Moses W., Priv. Co. H; Res., Charlestown, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, 
enrolled. Name not found on rolls of War Dept. as of Co. H, 12th 
R. I. Inf. 

Burdick, Orrin R., Priv. Co. A; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; March 25, 1863, detached on am- 
munition train and so borne until June 14, 1863, when he reported for 
duty; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Burdick, Thomas E., Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Burgess, Clarence E., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Burgess, Jeremiah, Priv. Co. K; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Burgess, Jesse W. 1st Sgt. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in side 
and arm at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until Jan. 24, 1863, when he was discharged for 
disability at Point Lookout Hospital, Md. 

Burke, Michael, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



324 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Burlingame, James E., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. 1.; Sept. 7, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital 
from March 27, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Burlingame, Richard, Priv. Co. K; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 7, 1863, until May, 1863; May, 1863, detached on Invalid Corps 
and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Burnett, Charles G., Sgt. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 8, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp.; March 
23, 1863, appointed Sgt.; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly wounded in leg at Fred- 
ericksburg; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Burns, Christopher, Priv. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. L; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Burns Martin, Priv. Co. H; Res., Providence, R. 1.; Oct. 9, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted at Provi- 
dence, R. I. 
Burns, Martin, Priv. Co. H; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, killed at the battle 
of Fredericksburg. 
Burr, Henry S., Corp. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, en- 

Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Burr, Norman G., Corp. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. 1.; Sept. 15, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 20, 1863, appointed Corp.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Burrows, Frank, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Burton, Ephraim, Priv. Co. G; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 8, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Butler, Job, Priv. Co. H; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 4, 1862, enrolled; 

Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Butts, Edward P., 2d Lt. Co. G; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 9, 1862, commissioned; Nov. 
19, 1862, resigned. 
Buxton, Amasa, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 10, 1863, died of disease at 
Eckington Hospital, Washington, D. C. 
Cady, Charles T., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 4, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in action at 
Fredericksburg and borne as absent sick in hospital until April, 1863; 
April, 1863, detached for service in Invalid Corps and so borne until 
July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Cady, Calvin L., Priv. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. 1.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted from Camp 
Stevens, Providence, R. I. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 



325 



Cady, Daniel W., Musician Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Priv.; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 

Cady, John G-., Priv. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 29, 1862, sent to hospital and borne 
as sick until March 31, 1863, when he was discharged for disability 
from Lovell General Hospital,, Portsmouth Grove, R. I. 

Cahoone, Alfbed F., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R- 1-5 Sept. 15, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at Nich- 
olasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Cahoone, Alonzo, Priv. Co. H; Res., Smithfield, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 10, 1863, discharged for 
disability at Newport News. 

Cahoone, Chables H., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 25, 1862, died in U. S. Hos- 
pital at Philadelphia. 

Cahoone, Robebt, Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan,. 1863, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Callahan, Malachi, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Calland, Elijah T., Priv. Co. E.; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Calligan, James. See James Colligan. 

Camebon, Donald, Priv. Co. H; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Oct. 11, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan., 1863, detached to Battery D, 
1st R. I. L. Art.; July 12, 1863, returned to the 12th Reg't R. I. Inf.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Campbell, James E., Priv. Co. F; Res., Providnce, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Campbell, Thomas, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Campbell, Thomas, Priv. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. 1.; Oct. 3, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Capbon, Asa, Priv. Co. F; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 31, 1862, deserted from camp near 
Falmouth, Va. 

Cabd. Geobge W., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Cabd, Geobge W., Priv. Co. H; Res., Charlestown, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 14, 1862, deserted. 

Cabd, William. Priv. Co. K; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 8, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1682, mustered in; March, 1863, detached on ammu- 
nition train and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 



326 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Carew, John. See John Carey. 

Carey, Benjamin F., Priv. Co. A; Res., Westerly, R. I.; Sept. 28, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Carey, John, Priv. Co. H; Res., Natick, R. I.; Oct. 10, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 
13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Cary, Leander C, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
April, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Carpenter, Benoni, Maj. and Surg. F. and S.; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; 
Oct. 15, 1862, commissioned; Oct. 15, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Carpenter, Frank H., Hos. Stew.; Res., Pawtucket, R. 1.; Oct., 1862, 
enrolled; Oct., 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Carpenter, William A., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 7, 1863, until March 28, 18G3, when he was discharged on sur- 
geon's certificate from Mount Pleasant General Hospital. 

Carr, Caleb S., 1st Sgt. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 8, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Mustered in as Sgt.; March 1, 
1863, appointed 1st Sgt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Carr, Henry, Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at Nicholas- 
ville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Carr, John T*., Priv. Co. D; Res., Jamestown, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 8, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Carr, William S., Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Carroll, Bernard, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached with ammu- 
nition train and so borne until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Carroll, Charles, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Carroll, Hugh, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 20, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. 1.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in hand at Freder- 
icksburg, Va., and borne as sick in hospital from that time until 
March 24, 1863, when he returned to duty; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Carroll Joseph, Priv. Co. I; Res., Portsmouth, R. I.; Sept. 21, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 31, 1862, deserted; March 6, 
1865, apprehended, tried by G. C. M. for desertion and conduct pre- 
judicial to good order and military discipline, found guilty and per- 
manently assigned to Batt. B, 1st R. I. L. A. by S. O., dated May 27, 
1865. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 



827 



Carroix, Peter, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 8, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; Oct. 
13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 1, 1862, Bent to General Hospital and borne 
as absent sick until May, 1863; May, 12, 1863, detached on supply train 
and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Carter, Benjamin F., Priv,. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 4, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Casey, Michael, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 15, 1862, enrolled at Portsmouth, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in foot at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as sick in hospital until 
May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Cassidy, John H., Priv. Co. H; Res., Smithfield, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Castles, Frank, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Caswell, John, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 9, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 5, 1863, died in Reg't'l Hospital, near 
Falmouth, Va. 

Cavanaugh, Nicholas, Priv Co I; Sept. 9, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Chace, Henry L., Sgt. Co. D; Res., Middletown, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Chaffee, Albert B., Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Chafee, James H., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. 1.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 7, 1863, until April, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Chambers, Charles H., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Champlin, Elisha W., Priv. Co. B; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 
5, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Champlin, Stephen C, Priv. Co. G; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 9, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 8, 1863, sent to hospital 
and borne as sick until July 29, 1863, when he joined the company 
and was mustered out. 

Champlin, Thomas D., Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 8, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec, 1862, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until March 20, 1863, when he was discharged 
for disability at Washington, D. C. 

Chappell, A. Adolphtjs, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 9, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Chappell, Matthew N., 1st Lieut, and Adj.; Res., South Kingstown, 
R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, commissioned; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Orig- 
inally served as 2d Lt. in Co. C; mustered out as 2d Lt. and mus- 
tered in as 1st Lt. to date Nov. 4, 1862; Nov., 1862, transferred to 
Co. G; April 29, 1863, transferred from Co. G and appointed Adj. 
of the Regt; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



328 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Chase, Fkank, Priv. Co. K; Sept. 29, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mus- 
tered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Chase, William A., Priv. Co. A; Sept. 27, 1862, enrolled at Providence, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded slightly at 
Fredericksburg, Va.; Jan. 4, 1863, detached for service in Invalid 
Corps, and so borne until June 18, 1863, when he reported for duty; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Cheney, Edward S., Capt. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. 1.; Sept. 19, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 11, 1862, commissioned; 
Jan. 17, 1863, discharged. 

Chester Albert L., Priv. Co. A; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Church, Edwin B., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Church William A., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 28, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; June, 5, 1863, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Clark, Charles, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 20, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. L; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached for service with 
supply train, and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Clark, Charles A., Priv. Co. A; Sept. 27, 1862, enrolled at Providence, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov., 1862, in ambulance corps. 
Borne as sick in hospital at Washington, from Dec. 29, 1862, until 
July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Clark, Charles P., Corp. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
"Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Clark, Clinton H., Priv. Co. C; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 15, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Clark, Edward, Priv. Co. A; Res., Westerly, R. 1.; Oct. 8, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 16, 1862, detailed as nurse in Reg't'l 
Hospital, and so borne until Jan., 1863; Jan. 16, 1863, discharged on 
surgeon's certificate at camp near Falmouth, Va. 

Clarke, Henry, Priv. Co. G; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 1, 1862, sent to General Hos- 
pital, and borne as absent sick until March 28, 1863, when he was 
discharged on surgeon's certificate. 

Clark, James, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Clarke, John L., 1st Lt. and Reg't'l Q. M.; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Oct. 
9, 1862, commissioned; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as absent 
with leave for fifteen days from Feb. 27, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Clark, Lionel H., Corp. Co. K; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 23, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 329 

Clark, William H., Priv. Co. B; Oct. 3, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 31, 1862, 
mustered in; Feb. 10, 1863, deserted from camp near Falmouth, Va. 

Claeke, William H., Priv. Co. G; Sept. 25, 1862, enrolled at Hopkinton, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Clemence, Stephen, Priv. Co. D; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec, 1862, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until March 14, 1863, when he was discharged 
for disability from Portsmouth Grove Hospital. 

Clemmens, Stephen. See Stephen Clemence. 

Clissold, Stephen, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded slightly 
in head at Fredericksburg; Jan. 12, 1863, died in hospital near 
Falmouth. 

Clough, William, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 25, 1863, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in face at 
the battle of Fredericksburg, and borne as absent sick in hospital 
from that time until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Coffin, Albert, Jr., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Coggeshall, S. Wildes, Sgt. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Oct. 7, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Coggeshall, Thomas D., Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 10, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service 
at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 

1863, mustered out. 

Cole, Alexander, Priv. Co. A; Sept. 25, 1862. enrolled at Providence, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, on ammunition train, 
and so borne until June 14, 1863, when he reported for duty; July 25, 
1863, mustered out. 

Cole, Harvey M., Priv. Co. K; Res., East Providence, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in left 
side at the battle of Fredericksburg and borne as absent sick in 
hospital until March 16, 1863, when he was discharged for disability 
from Lovell General Hospital, Portsmouth Grove, R. I. 

Cole, Luther, Jr., 1st Lt. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as 1st Sgt.; 
Feb. 19, 1863, commissioned as 2d Lt., and mustered in as such March 
1, 1863; April 17, 1863, commissioned 1st Lt. and mustered in as 
such April 29, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Cole, Sylvester, Wagoner Co. K; Sept. 30, 1862, enrolled at Glocester, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Colligan, James, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. 1.; Sept. 29, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted at Provi- 
dence, R. I.; arrested, and March 9, 1864, assigned to Co. A, 2d R. I. 
Vols., to serve out term of service. 



330 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Collins, Cranston, Priv. Co. G; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Colokan, John. Priv. Co. I; Sept. 22, 1862, enrolled at Scituate, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Colton, William. See William Cotton. 

Colvin, Charles E., Corp. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 23, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Colvin, William H., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Colwell, Mory, Priv. Co. K; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Oct. 7, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct., 1862, detailed for duty in 
hospital dept., and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Colwell, Otis P., Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. 1.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; April, 1863, detached as brigade 
blacksmith, and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Connell. David 0. See David O'Connell. 

"Conly, Daniel, Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreharn, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 1, 1862, sent to General 
Hospital, Washington, D. C, and borne as absent sick until Dec. 25, 
1862, when he died. 

Connelly, Terry, Priv. Co. 1; Sept. 8, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 5, 1863, died in Regt'l Hospital at 
camp near Falmouth, Va. 

Connoly, Owen, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Investigation fails to elicit 
further information. 

Cook, Elisha, Priv. Co. B; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached on supply 
train, and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Cook, Horace W., Priv. Co. K; Res., Mapleville, R. I.; Aug. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, severely wounded in 
back at the battle of Fredericksburg and borne as sick in hospital from 
Dec, 1862, until May, 1863; May, 1863, detached for service in In- 
valid Corps, and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Cook, John M., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 12, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 6, 1863, discharged on sur- 
geon's certificate from Finley Hospital, Washington, D. C. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 331 

Cook, Saladin, Corp. Co. F; lies., Cumberland, R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 24, 1863, promoted Corp.; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 

Cook, Thomas, Priv. Co. 1; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Coopeb, Rensalaer, A., Corp. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Jan. 24, 1863, until April, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Copeland, Joseph, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 22, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted. 

Cornell, Joseph P., Sgt. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 8, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp.; April 
26, 1863, promoted Sgt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Corren, Peter, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in action. 
Borne as sick in hospital from Feb. 7, 1863; until July, 1863; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 

Corrigan, Thomas, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 10, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 25, 1862, deserted from Camp Casey, 
Va. 

Cory, Augustus, Priv. Co. B; Res., North Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Corey, Benjamin. See Benjamin Carey. 

Corey, Philip D., Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. 1.; Sept. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 1, 1862, sent to the U. S. 
Hospital, Bedloe's Island and borne as absent sick until Jan. 3, 1863, 
when he joined the Regt. Borne on detached service at Nicholasville, 
Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Cory, John G., Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at Nicholas- 
ville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863. mustered 
out. 

Cotton, William, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in neck' 
at Fredericksburg and borne as sick in hospital until Jan. 22, 1863, 
when he was discharged for disability at hospital in Washington, 
D. C. 

Covill, Thomas, Priv. Co. I; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 13, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Cram, Ira, Corp. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. 1.; Sept. 18, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 9, 1863, promoted Corp.; Dec. 13, 
1862, wounded in foot at Fredericksburg, Va.; July 29, 1863, muster- 
ed out. 

Cramm, John, Priv. Co. A; Sept. 27, 1862, enrolled at Cranston, R. I.; 
deserted prior to Nov. 17, 1862. Date not known. 



332 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Crandall, Daniel A. Priv. Co. F; Res., South Kingstown, R. !.; Sept. 10, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded 
slightly at Fredericksburg. Borne as sick in hospital from Feb. 7, 

1863, until April, 1863, when he died in hospital at Philadelphia, Pa. 
Crandall, W. Oscar, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 

30, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Cbimmens, Patrick, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
May 23, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Croson, Bernhard, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863 musterea out. 

Crowell, Luther J., Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Cullen, John P., Sgt. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Cunningham, John, Priv. Co. C; Res., Coventry, R- I-.; Sept. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Curren, Peter. See Peter Corren. 

Curry, Leander, Priv. Co. H; Oct. 14, 1862, enrolled at North Kingstown, 
R. I.; Oct. 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted. 

Curtis, A. J., Priv. Co. F; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 30, 1863, left sick at Pittsburg; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Curtis, Frank, Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. 1.; Sept. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Curtis, Johnson A. See A. J. Curtis. 

Curtis, Marvin M., Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 21, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Daily, George, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 12, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Damon, Lucius, Priv. Co. H; Oct. 10, 1862, enrolled at Hopkinton, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Darling, Albert, Priv. Co. H; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Darling, Francis, Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Darling, Isaac L., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Darling, Welcome B., Priv. Co. G; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Darling, William J., Corp. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, and borne as sick in hospital until March 
16, 1863, when he was discharged for disability at Lovell General 
Hospital, Portsmouth Grove, R. I. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 333 

Davis Albert C, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 16, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 14, 1863, detached to Battery D, 1st 
R. I. Art., and so borne until July 12, 1863, when he returned to the 
12th R. I. Vois.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Davis Jeffrey G., Sgt. Co. K; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at the 
battle of Fredericksburg; borne as sick in hospital from April 8, 
1863, until July 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Davis, John A., Priv. Co. D; Res., Little Compton, R. I.; Oct. 11, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec, 1862, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until April 20, 1863, when he returned from 
hospital; May 12, 1863, detached on supply train, and so borne until 
June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Dearth, John W., Musician Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. 1.; Sept. 18, 1862, 

enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Delanah, Albert W., 1st. Lt. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Oct. 10, 1862, 
commissioned; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as 2d 
Lt; March 31, 1863, commissioned 1st Lt.; April, 1863, mustered in; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Demorro, John, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 19, 1862, enrolled at "Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 1, 1862, sent to hospital and borne as 
absent sick until July, 1863; July 15, 1863, discharged at Louis- 
ville, Ky., by reason of expiration of term of service. 
Denico, John, Priv. Co. C; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted at Providence, R. I.; 
arrested on or about Jan. 21, 1865, at R. I., as a deserter from Co. C, 
12th R. I. Inf. Forwarded to Alexandria, Va., where he was tried 
by G. C. M.; found guilty and sentenced; April 12, 1865, assigned to 
Co. A, 2d R. 1. Inf.; May 2, 1865, transferred to Co. I, 7th R. I. Inf. 
Dennin, Edward, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 21, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Dennis, Joseph C, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Deplitch, Jonathan, Priv. Co. G; Res., Portsmouth, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 
Devlin, Archibald, Priv. Co. H; Oct. 4, 1862, enrolled at Olneyville, R. I.; 

Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Devlin, Charles H., Priv. Co. B; Res., Charlestown, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly wounded 
in arm at Fredericksburg and sent to hospital; rejoined the regiment 
at Kentucky; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Devolve, Warren N., Sgt. Co. G; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp. Co. 
B; Jan. 1, 1863, transferred to Co. G as Color Sgt. Borne on detached 
service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



334 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

DeWolf, George H., Priv. Co. H; Res., Smithfield, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Dexter, Theodore F., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; May 10, 1863, detailed as team- 
ster and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Dickens, Daniel M. See Daniel McDicken. 

Dickinson, George L., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. 1.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Diman, George W., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; June 21, 1863, sent to hospital and 
borne as sick until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Dimmick, Oliver W., Priv. Co. A; Oct. 2, 1862, enrolled at Providence, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Dineco John. See John Denico. 

Dingwell, William H., 1st Sgt. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Sgt.; 
June 15, 1863, promoted 1st Sgt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Doherty, Daniel B., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; May 12, 1863, detached on supply 
train, and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Dolan, Peter, Priv. Co. F; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863 mustered out. 

Doman, Joseph, Priv. Co. G; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Donnelly, Thomas, Corp- Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 8, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Dooman, Joseph. See Joseph Doman. 

Dorman, Joseph. See Joseph Doman. 

Dorsay John, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 14, 1863, detached to Battery 
D, 1st R. 1. Art.; June 6, 1863, shot by a citizen at Camp Robinson, 
Ky., while on detached service. 

Dougherty, Daniel B. See Daniel B. Doherty. 

Douglass, George H., Priv. Co. B; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Douglass, John D., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Downes John F., Sgt. Maj.; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Oct. 11, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Sgt. Co. B; March 
21, 1863, promoted Sgt. Maj.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Downey, John, Priv. Co. B; Res., Fall River, Mass.; Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached on ammuni- 
tion train; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 



385 



Doyle, Dennis, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Kingstown, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, 

enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Doyle, Hugh, Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, enrolled; 

Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Doyle James, Priv. Co. H; Sept. 19, 1862, enrolled at Providence, R. I.; 

Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Doyle, John, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Oct. 7, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached on ammunition 
train; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Doyle, William O., Priv. Co. D; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oci. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly wounded in 
ankle at Fredericksburg; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Drake, Andrew G., Priv. Co. G; Res., Portsmouth, R. 1.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 
Dbegan, John H., Priv. Co. G; Res., Portsmouth, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, 
enrolled. Name not found on rolls of War Department as of Co. G, 
12th, R. I. Inf. 
Dbiscoll Frederic A., Sgt. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 9, 1863, until May 18, 1863, when he was discharged on surgeon's 
certificate at Providence, R. I. 
Drowne, William A., Priv. Co. E; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 12, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 3, 1863, detached for ser- 
vice in Ambulance Corps, and so borne until June 18, 1863, when he 
returned to regiment; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Duffee, James, Jr., Sgt. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp.; March 20, 
1863, promoted Sgt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Duffy, John C, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 22, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 23, 1862, died in hospital near Fal- 
mouth, Va., from wounds received at the battle of Fredericksburg, 
Dec. 13. 1862. 
Duffy, John, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 10, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; Oct. 

13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Duffy, Peter. See Peter Durfee. 

Duffy, Thomas, Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 18b2, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Dunbar, Freeborn C, Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Dec. 1, 1862, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Dunbar, Robebt R., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 9, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Dunham, Joseph R., Musician Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan., 1863, detailed as nurse in 
hospital, and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



836 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Dunn, John, Priv. Co. C; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from Jan. 26, 
1863, until March 20, 1863, when he was discharged for disability 
from Finley General Hospital, Washington, D. C. 

Dunn, Thomas D., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. 1.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Dunwell, William H., Priv. Co. H; Res., East Providence, R. I.; Oct. 8, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 14, 1863, detached to 
Battery D, 1st R. I. Art, and so borne until July 12, 1863, when he 
returned to the 12th R. I. Vols.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Duefee, Peter, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 20, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 1, 1862, deserted. 

Durfee, Richard C, Priv. Co. K; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Aug. 21, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, and borne as absent sick until April, 1863; 
April 21, 1863, discharged for disability at Lovell General Hospital, 
Portsmouth Grove, R. I. 

Duxbury, Aaron, Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 4, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Dwyer, William, Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 25, 1863, detached for service on 
ammunition train, and so borne until June 15, 1863, when he returned 
to the regiment; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Dyer, Cyrus G., Major. Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 10, 1862, commis- 
sioned; mustered in to date Oct. 17, 1862; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly 
wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg. Borne as absent sick from 
May 27, 1863, until July, 1863; July 23, 1863, mustered out. 

Easterbrooks Gabdner, Priv. Co. E; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 26, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as Brig, teamster 
from Nov., 1862, until Jan., 1863. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Jan., 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Eccleston John S., Priv. Co. A; Res., Westerly, R. I; Oct. 8, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Eckersley, Peter, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Eddy, Amasa F., Com. Sgt.; Res., Chepachet, R. I.; Oct. 8, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Eddy, Hiram, Musician Co. C; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from Dec. 29, 
1862, until March 7, 1863, when he was discharged on surgeon's cer- 
tificate. 

Eggleston, Ebwin S., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 13, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly wounded 
in head at Fredericksburg; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

English, Michael, Priv. Co. D; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in action at 
Fredericksburg, and borne as sick in hospital until May 5, 1863, when 
he was discharged on surgeon's certificate at Providence, R. 1. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 337 

English, James, Priv. Co. A; Res., Westerly, R. L; Oct. 8. 1862. en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Essex, James S., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

JSvans, Clinton O., Priv. Co. F; Res. Glocester, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Fagan, Barney, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Sept. 21, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Fairbrother, Francis B., Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 19, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on extra duty in 
Brig, bakery, from Feb. 3, 1863, until March, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Fales, Edmund W., 1st Lt. Co. K; Res., Middletown, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 27, 1863, sent to hospital 
at Baltimore, Md.; date of return not stated; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Farnley, Eli, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Oct. 10, 1862, 
enrolled. Name not found on rolls of "War Dept. as of Co. H, 12th 
R. I. Inf. 

Farnum, Cyrus A., Corp Co. K; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Farnum, Philip, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 8, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Farrar, James S., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Oct. 8, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Faucett Samuel, Priv. Co. I; Res., Sept. 10, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, 
R. I., Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, severely wounded at 
the battle of Fredericksburg, and borne as absent sick until April 6, 

1863, when he was discharged for disability at Washington, D. C. 
Fay John, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, enrolled; 

Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Borne as sick in hospital from March 27, 
1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Fenner, John A., Priv. Co. I; Res., Scituate, R. 1.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; June 18, 1863, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Fenner Russell, Priv. Co. B; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 25, 1863, detached on supply 
train, and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Fenner, Sterry, Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Jan. 26, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
22 



338 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Fernley, Robert, Priv. Co. C; Oct. 7, 1862, enrolled at Cranston, R. I. 
Borne as sick in hospital from Feb. 7, 1863, until May, 1863; May 11, 
1863, detached for service in Invalid Corps, and so borne until July, 
1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Ferry, John. See John Friery. 

Field, Samuel W., Chaplain. Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 15, 1862, com- 
missioned; Oct. 15, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Field, William F., Priv. Co. K; Sept. 20, 1862, enrolled at East Provi- 
dence, R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13. 1862, wounded in 
action. Borne as sick in hospital from Jan. 24, 1863, until March 
12, 1863, when he was discharged on surgeon's certificate. 

Finney, Patrick, Jr., Priv. Co. I; Sept. 16, 1862, enrolled at Providence, 
R. 1.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 26, 1863, detached for service 
on ammunition train, and so borne until May 10, 1863, when he 
returned to Regt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Fish, Isaac, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Oct. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1662, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted. 

Fiske, Charles, Jr., Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence. R. I.; Sept. 
29, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Fitzpatrtick, Hugh, Priv. Co. C; Oct. 8, 1862, enrolled at Cranston, R. I.; 
Feb. 28, 1863, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Flanagan, Michael, Corp Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 1, 1863, promoted Corp.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Flannigan, Dennis, Priv. Co. H; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 22, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted. 
Fleming, Richard, Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Oct. 7, 1862, 

enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Fletcher, Samuel M., Asst. Surg.; Res., Westerly, R. I.; Oct. 8, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Priv. Co. A; 
Oct. 13, 1862, detailed for duty in hospital, and so borne until May 6, 

1863, when he was promoted Asst. Surg.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Foster, Jerry B., Priv. Co. F; Res., Coventry, R. 1.; Sept. 9, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Foster, Lawton Priv. Co. G; Res., Hopkinton, R. L.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in action, 
sent to hospital and borne as absent sick until July, 1863; July 29, 
1863, mustered out. 

Fowler, George, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862. deserted. 

Francis, Lorenzo H., Priv. Co. B; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Francis, Lucien E., Priv. Co. B; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Franklin. Cornelius, Priv. Co. H; Res., Natick, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 339 

Franklin, George \V., Priv. Co. F; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Oct. 4, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on ammunition train from 
March, 1863, until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Franklin, Squire W., Priv. Co. A; Res,, Providence, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, 

enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Freeborn, George, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Freeborn, Orland, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, severely wounded in 
leg at Fredericksburg, and borne as absent sick in hospital until July, 
1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Friery, John, Priv. Co. K; Sept. 6, 1862, enrolled at Burrillville, R. I.; 

Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Fuller, Albert, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 20, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as absent on fur- 
lough for thirty days from March 15, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 
Fuller, Isaac, Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 17, 1863, detached on supply 
train, and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Fuller, James, Priv. Co. K; Res., Mapleville, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Gahan, John, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, enrolled; 

Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Gaitland, John. See John Gartland. 
Galen. Patrick. See Patrick Gillien. 

Gallagher, James. Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; April 10, 1863, deserted from camp 
near Lexington. Ky. 
Gallighan, John, Priv. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Gannon, James H., Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as absent sick in hospital 
from March 27, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Gardner, Frederick A., Priv. Co. H; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 8, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 17, 1863, detailed as provost 
guard, and so borne until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Gardner, John, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 15, 1862, detached for service in 
Ambulance Corps and so borne until Aprii, 1863. Borne as sick in 
hospital from June 11, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 
Gardner, Vincent. Priv. Co. K; Res., North Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 26, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Gardner, William H., Priv. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 

enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Garrick, Michael, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Oct. 11, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



340 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Gartland, John, Corp. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 13, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gavitt, Bkadfokd A., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. 1.; Sept. 29, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Gelding, Austin. See Austin Yelding. 

Gerrard, Richard, Priv. Co. B; Res., Warwick, R. I; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Giffobd, Russell, Priv. Co. C; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on duty in Ambulance 
Corps from Nov. 17, 1862, until Dec. 1862. Borne as sick in hospital 
from Dec. 29, 1862, until Feb. 20, 1863, when he died at Alexandria, 
Va. 

Gillan, Patrick. See Patrick Gillien. 

Gtllten, Patrick, Priv. Co. D; Res., Providence, R. 1.; Oct. 7, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gilmartin, Richard, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as absent on furlough 
for twenty days from Dec. 22, 1862; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gilmore, George C, Sgt. Co. I; Sept. 16, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at the battle of 
Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as sick in hospital from that time 
until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gilroy, Patrick, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 16, 1862, enrolled at Providence, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gladding, Nathaniel, Corp. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov., 1862, in Ambulance Corps; 
Dec, 1862, sent to hospital and borne as absent sick until Feb. 24, 
1863, when he was discharged for disability. 

Gleason, William, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. 1.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Glines, Charles E., Corp Co. B; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Glover, David, Corp. Co. H; Res., Smithfield, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; June 15, 1863, promoted Corp.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Godfrey, John, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 22, 1862, discharged for dis- 
abilitr. 

Godfrey, Patrick, Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Goff, James F., Sgt. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp.; May 18, 1863, 
appointed Sgt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 341 

Goffe, Sigourney B., Sgt. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 6, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp.; March 
1, 1863, appointed Sgt.; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly wounded in chest at 
Fredericksburg; July, 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Good, James J., Corp. Co. F; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; June 29, 1863, promoted Corp.; July 29, 
1863, mustered out. 

Goodness, Peter, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 16, 1862, eni'olled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Goodspeed, Smith, Priv. Co. C; Res., Foster, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on ammunition train, from March, 
1863, until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gordon, James, Priv. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gorham, Isaac, Sgt. Co. C; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gorham William T., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 9, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gorton, Jacor, Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 4, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 186Z, mustered in; Feb. 19, 1863, died at Mt. Pleasant Hos- 
pital, D. C. 

Gorton, Jeremiah K., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 9, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached on supply 
train, and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gould, Frederick C, Priv. Co. D; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 9, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital 
from Dec. 29, 1862, until May, 1863; May 5, 1863, detached for service 
in Invalid Corps, and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Gould. Joseph W., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. *Borne as sick in hospital from 
June 18, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gould. Robert, Priv. Co. D; Res., Middletown, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 8, 1863, until Feb. 14, 1863, when he died at Emory Hospital, 
D. C. 

Grant, Joseph W., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland. R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Grant, Joseph, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in action 
at Fredericksburg, Va., sent to hospital (left leg amputated), and 
borne as absent sick until March 6, 1863, when he was discharged on 
surgeon's certificate at Washington, D. C. 

Gray, Albert, Priv. Co. D; Res., Little Compton, R. I.; Sept. 11, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec, 1862, brigade teamster. 
Borne as sick in hospital from Feb. 8, 1863, until April 9, 1863, when 
he was discharged for disability at Washington, D. C. 



342 



HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 



Gray, Charles H., Priv. Co. C; Res., Newport, R. 1.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gray, Henry, Corp Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, severely wounded at Fred- 
ericksburg. Borne on detached service at Nicholasville, Ky., from 
April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gray, William H., Priv. Co. C; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service from 
March 14, 1863, until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gray, William R., Priv. Co. G; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Dec. 30, 1862, until May, 1863; May 2, 1863, detached for service in 
Invalid Corps; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Green, Benjamin, Priv. Co. E; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Green. Charles, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital at 
Washington from Feb. 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Green, Clark, Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 15, 1863, died in Odd Fellows 
Hall Hospital, Washington, D. C. 

Green, Willard H., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as absent with leave from 
Nov. 3, 1862, until Dec, 1862; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Greene, George R., Corp. Co. A; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 13, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in action 
at Fredericksburg and borne as absent sick in hospital until Jan. 
22, 1863, when he reported for duty; March 25, 1863, detached for 
service on ammunition train and so borne until June 14, 1863, when 
he reported for duty; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Greene, Thomas M., Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 26, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in action. 
Borne as sick in hospital from Feb. 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 
1863, mustered out. 

Gregory, Charles. Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; May, 1863, on supply train; July 
29, 1863. mustered out. 

Gregson, Thomas A., Priv. Co. H; Sept. 22, 1862, enrolled at North Provi- 
dence, R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Grey, Albert. See Albert Gray. 

Grey, Amasa, Jr., Priv. Co. D; Res., Little Compton, R. I.; Sept. 11, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Grey. Charles H. See Charles H. Gray. 

Grey, William R. See William R. Gray. 

Grey, William H. See William H. Gray. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 343 

Grin nell, Abner, Priv. Co. C; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 15, 1862, died from wounds 
received in action at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. 

Gross, Wilmarth, Priv. Co. K; Res., Portsmouth, R. I.; April 15, 1863, 
enrolled. Borne as sick in hospital from May 1, 1863, until July, 
1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Guello, Henry H., Priv. Co. K; Res., East Providence, R. I.; Sept. 30, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Guinan, William, Sgt. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 13, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1863, mustered in; March, 1863, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gurnet, Edward F. See Edward F. Gurry. 

Gurry, Edward F., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862 wounded in action 
at Fredericksburg, Va., sent to hospital, and borne as absent sfck 
until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Gushee, Nathaniel W., Sgt. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp.; 
March 20, 1863, appointed Sgt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Guyott, George, Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from Dec. 1, 

1862, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hackett, John, Priv. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hadfield. Frederick. Priv. Co. G; Res.. Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 

1863, mustered out. 

Hadfield, James, Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Dec. 1, 1862, until March 9, 1863, when he returned to duty. Borne 
on detached service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until 
July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hall, Lewis N; Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; June 18, 1863, sent to hospital 
and borne as sick until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hall, Stephen D., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 10, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at Fred- 
ericksburg, and borne as sick in hospital until May, 1863; July 29, 
1863, mustered out. 

Hall, Theodore F., Priv. Co. F; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 13, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 20, 1862, deserted at Provi- 
dence, R. I. 

Hamil, John, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 12, 1862, enrolled at Providence, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



344 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Hamil, Patrick B., Priv. Co. I; Sept. 11, 1862, enrolled at Providence, 
R. 1., Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in action, 
sent to hospital and borne as absent sick until May 18, 1863, when he 
was discharged for disability from Lovell General Hospital, R. I. 

Hamilton, James H., Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hamilton, William, Priv. Co. F; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 28, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hamilton, William H., Musician Co. H; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 
22, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Handy, James H., Priv. Co. G; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Hanley, Patrick, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hardon, Edward V., Priv. Co. F; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Harper, James, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as absent sick in hospital from 
Nov. 1, 1862, until Jan. 7, 1863, when he was discharged for disability. 

Harrington, John, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. 1.; Oct. 1, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Harris, William S., Priv. Co. A; Res., Foster, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, and borne as sick in hospital from that 
time until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Harry, Charles E., Priv. Co. I; Res., Charlestown, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 14, 1863, detached to Bat- 
tery D, 1st R. I. Art., and so borne until July 12, 1863, when he re- 
turned to the 12th R. I. Vols.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hatch, Nicholas C, Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863 mustered out. 

Harvey, Charles E. See Charles E. Harry. 

Harvey, Sylvester N., Priv. Co. D; Res., South Kingstown, R. I; Sept. 
9, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 24, 1863, de- 
tached on ammunition train and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 
1863, mustered out. 

Hathaway, James, Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I; Sept. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in leg at 
Fredericksburg and borne as sick in hospital until March 28, 1863, 
when he was discharged on surgeon's certificate. 

Hayes, Martin, Priv. Co. K; Res., East Providence, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in arm 
at Fredericksburg, and borne as absent sick in hospital until July, 
1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 345 

Hazard, Daniel, Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Oct. 4, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hazard, Wanton W., Priv. Co. K; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 15, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 16, 1863, detached for 
duty as provost guard in 2d Div. 9th A. C. Borne as sick in hospital 
from March 27, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hazard, William A., Priv. Co. E; Res., South Kingstown, R. I; Sept. 9, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital 
from March 30, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hazard, William R., Priv. Co. B; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 10, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital 
from Feb. 7, 1863, until July, 1863. Rejoined the Reg't; July 29, 

1863, mustered out. 

Head, Henry P., Priv. Co. D; Res., Little Compton, R. I.; Sept. 11, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 14, 1863, detached to Bat- 
tery D. 1st R. 1. L. A., and so borne until July 12, 1863, when he re- 
turned to the 12th R. I. Inf.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Healey, John J., Priv. Co. C; Res., East Greenwich, R. 1.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
June 19, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Heffernan, John, Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct 13, 1862, mustered in. Muster out roll of Co. dated July 29, 1863, 
has remark "Not reported for muster out." 

Heinze, Julius, Priv. Co. F; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at Fred- 
ericksburg, and borne as absent sick in hospital from that time until 
July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Henry, James, Priv. Co. B; Res., Fall River, Mass.; Oct. 6, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Henrys, Charles C, Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick ia hospital 
from Dec. 1, 1862, until Dec. 17, 1862, when he was discharged for 
disability at Washington, D. C. 

Hibrert, Samuel, Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863 mustered out. 

Hibbert, William, Priv. Co. H.; Oct. 9, 1862, enrolled at Cranston, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached on supply train and 
so borne until May; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hicks, Allison P., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Higgins, Christopher, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 29, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 29, 1862, sent to hos- 
pital and borne as absent sick until March 16, 1863, when he was dis- 
charged for disability from Lovell General Hospital, Portsmouth 
Grove, R. I. 

Hines, John. See John Hynes. 

Hintzy, Julius. See Julius Heinze. 



346 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Hoar, William, Corp. Co. E.; Res., Warren, R. 1.; Sept. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 20, 1863, appointed Corp.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hodgson, William S., Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached on supply 
train. Borne on detached service at Nicholasville, Ky.., from April 

7, 18C3, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hogg, James, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hollovvay, Henry S., Priv. Co. G; Res., Charlestown, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 19, 1862, detached for duty 
in Ambulance Corps and so borne until April, 1863. Borne on de- 
tached service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 186 # 3, until July, 
1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hooper, John W., Priv. Co. D.; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hopkins, Daniel A., Priv. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
April 16, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hopkins, Stephen M., 1st Lt. Co. I; Res., Burrillville, R. 1.; Aug. 20, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at 
the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and left foot amputated by reason 
of wounas. Resigned and honorably discharged by S. O. dated Dec. 
19, 1862. 

Hopkins, William H., Priv. Co. A; Res., Foster, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from Feb. 

8, 1863, until May, 1863; May, 1863, detached for service in invalid 
Corps and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Horton, Albert P., Priv. Co. C; Sept. Is4, 1862, enrolled at Providence, 
R. I.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Horton, Benjamin S., Priv. Co. C; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Sept. 14, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital at 
Washington, from Feb. 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Hosmang, Frank, Priv. Co. B; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Houlihan, James, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 6, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct., 13 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Howard, John, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from Feb. 8, 

1863, until May 5, 1863, when he was discharged on surgeon's certi- 
ficate. 

Howard, John B., Priv. Co. K; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, severely wounded in 
ankle at Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick in hospital 
from that time until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 




Edwin H. Tilley. 

(From a recent picture.) 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 347 

Howland, Christopher W., Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; 
Sept. 26, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 27, 1862, 
commissioned 2d Lt. 5th R. I. Vols., and discharged Jan. 5, 1863, to 
accept the same. 

Hoxie, John, Priv. Co. K; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hubbard, William E., Capt. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 22, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 9, 1862, commissioned; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hudson, Henry J., Corp. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 21, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 27, 1863, appointed Corp. 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hudson, William M., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Huffring, Michael, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hughes, Patrick, Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hughes, William, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 20, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Hull, Alfred G., Priv. Co. B; Res., Jamestown, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hull, Charles, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. 1.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hull, Henry M., Priv. Co. B; Res., Jamestown, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Nov. 1, 1862, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Humphrey, Horatio M., Priv. Co. K; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 29, 1863, died in hospital 
at Windmill Point, Va. 

Hunt. Hiram, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hunt. William, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 11, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in face at the bat- 
tle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick until July, 1863; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Huntington, Lester, Corp. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 10, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 26, 1862, died of disease at 
Boston, Mass. 

Hutchinson, Crawford, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 27, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Hutchinson, Prosper K., Ass't Surg.; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Oct. 20, 1862, 
commissioned; Oct. 21, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick from Feb., 

1863, until April 15, 1863, when he resigned, and resignation was 
accepted. 



348 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Huttee, Thomas. Priv. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 8, 1863, until April 6, 1863, when he was discharged on sur- 
geon's certificate. 

Hyde, James H., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Hynes John, Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at Nicholas- 
ville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Jenckes, Arnold A., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded by shell 
at Fredericksburg, Va.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Jenks, Jabez E., Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 18, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 21, 1863, died of 
disease at Newport News, Va. 

Jepson, Edwakd M., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Johnson, Caleb, Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Dec. 1, 1862, until March 23, 1863, when he joined the Reg't. Borne 
on detached service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until 
July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Johnson, Ebenezer, Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Johnson, Edwabd, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 4, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, missing in action 
at Fredericksburg, Va. Investigation fails to elicit further informa- 
tion. 

Johnson, Joseph, Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; April 9, 1863, deserted at Lexing- 
ton; April 14, 1863, joined from desertion. Co. muster out roll dated 
July 29, 1863, reports him under arrest awaiting sentence of G. C. M. 
Investigation fails to elicit further information. 

Johnson, Thomas M., Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 23, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Johnson, William N., Priv. Co. G.; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, en- 
rolled; March 14, 1863, discharged at York, Pa. Name not found 
on rolls of War Dept. as of Co. G, 12th R. I. Inf. 

Johnson, Zina W., Sgt. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Priv.; June 
15, 1863, promoted Sgt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 349 

Jones, Irwin A., Priv. Co. I; Res., East Greenwich, R. 1.; Sept. 16, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 29, 1862, sent to hospital 
and borne as absent sick until March 6, 1863, when he was discharged 
for disability. 

Joubdan. Job, Priv. Co. A; Res., Westerly, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as absent sick in hospital from 
Jan. 26, 1863, until May, 1863; May, 1863, detached for service in 
Invalid Corps and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Kagin, Peteb, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 

enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Kagin, Pateick, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 19, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly 
wounded in arm at Fredericksburg, Va.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Kahon, R. H., Priv. Co. G; May 5, 1863, discharged for disability at Gen- 
eral Hospital. Name not found on rolls of War Dept. as of Co. G, 
12th R. I. Inf. Investigation fails to elicit further information. 

Kay, James, June 15, 1862, enrolled. Deserted just before the organiza- 
tion was mustered in (Oct. 13, 1862); Dec, 1863, arrested and sent 
to the 7th R. I. Inf. to serve out his time of enlistment; Feb. 8, 1864, 
assigned to Co. B, 7th R. I. Inf. 

Keach, Edwaed F., Priv. Co. F; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Keeleb, John, Priv. Co. F; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Keeleb, Richaed N., Priv. Co. F; Sept. 23, 1862, enrolled at Glocester, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in wrist at 
Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as sick in hospital until April 29, 

1863, when he died of disease at Portsmouth Grove Hospital, R. I. 
Keeling, William, Priv. Co. G; Sept. 10, 1862, enrolled at Tiverton, R. 1.; 

Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at Nicholas- 
ville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Keith, Collins A., Corp. Co. K; Res., Burrillsville, R. I.; Aug. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 1, 1862, appointed Corp.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Keiting, John, Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Kellogg, William H., Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 22, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Missing since the battle 
of Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. Investigation fails to elicit 
further information. 

Kelly, John, Priv. Co. B; Res., South Kingstown, R. 1.; Sept. 11, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1862, mustered out. 

Kelly, John, Priv. Co. K; Aug. 23, 1862, enrolled at Providence, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



350 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Kennedy, John T., Priv. Co. E; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, 

enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Kennedy, Thomas J., Corp. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 
10, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 17, 1863, detached 
as provost guard, 2d Div. 9th A. C, and so borne until May, 1863; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Kenney, Thomas, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. 1.; Sept. 4, 1862, 

enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Kenny, Pardon, Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, enrolled; 

Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Kenyon, John E., Corp. Co. B; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 

enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Keener, John, Priv. Co. H; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; May, 1863, on supply train; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 
Kettle, John B. F., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R- 1-5 Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 
Kettle, Samuel S., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 
Kiernan, Garrett, Priv. Co. C; Sept. 22, 1862, enrolled at Cranston, R. I. 
Borne on detached service from March 14, 1863, until May, 1863; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 
Kiernan, Thomas, Musician Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, 

enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, musterea in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Killion, James H., Priv. Co. D; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 8, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted at Provi- 
dence, R. 1. 
Kimball, Martin F., Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Name not borne on subsequent 
rolls. Investigation fails to elicit further information. 
Kimball, Moranda, Priv. Co. F; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 7, 1863, until June, 1863; June, 1863, detached for service in 
Invalid Corps and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 
Kimpton, George H., Wagoner Co. F; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 8, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 
Kinder, Samuel, Jr., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; May 12, 1863, detached on supply 
train, and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Kine, Daniel, Priv. Co. C; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 351 

King, Eliab, Corp. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. 1.; Sept. 27, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from Jan. 26, 
1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

King, Henry, Ass't Surg.; Res., Apponaug, R. I.; Oct. 19, 1862, mustered 
in; Oct. 19, 1862, commissioned. Borne as sick in hospital from 
April 9, 1863, until May, 1863; May 13, 1863, resigned and resigna- 
tion accepted. 

King, Manuel, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as absent sick in hospital from 
April 8, 1863, until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

King, William H., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

King, William H., 1st Lt. Co. F; Res., Newport, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, com- 
missioned; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as 1st Lt. 
Co. D; Dec, 1862, transferred to Co. I; March 7, 1863, assigned to 
Co. F; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Kingman, uassander, Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13. 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Kinney, Thomas. See Thomas Kenney. 

Kinnicutt, George R., Wagoner Co. E; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 27, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Knecht, John, Priv. Co. B; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 1863, detached to Battery D, 
1st R. 1. Art., and so borne until July 12, 1863, when he returned to 
the 12th Reg't R. I. Inf.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Knight, Nehemiah R., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Nov. 19, 1862, detached for 
service in Ambulance Corps, and so borne until April, 1863. Borne 
on detached service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until 
July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Knowles, Martin V. B., Priv. Co. B; Res., Jamestown, R. I.; Sept. 17, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Knowles, Stephen H., Priv. Co. K; Res., Glendale, R. I.; Aug. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Lambert, Joseph, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 11, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Lane, Alonzo D., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Lapham, Oscar, Capt. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Oct. 10, 1862, com- 
missioned; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as 1st Lt. 
Co. B; Nov. 7, 1862, detached from regiment as A. D. C. to D. R. 
Wright, Col. commanding 1st Brig., Casey's Div.; Dec. 10, 1862, re- 
turned to regiment; Dec. 27, 1862, appointed Adj.; March, 1863, ab- 
sent on furlough; March 24, 1863, commissioned Capt.; April 15, 

1863, mustered in and assigned to Co. K; June 29, 1863, detached for 
duty as Judge Advocate on Court Martial at Jamestown; July 29, 
1863, mustered out. 



352 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Labavy, Priest, Priv. Co. B; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Labkin, Ashael G., Priv. Co. G; Res., Hopkinton, R. 1.; Sept. 19, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Law, John, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Lawson, John, Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Missing since the battle of Fredericks- 
burg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. Investigation fails to elicit further infor- 
mation. 

Lawton, George F., 1st Lt. Co. F; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 6, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in head 
at Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as sick in hospital until Feb. 16, 
1863, when he was honorably discharged for disability. 

Leach, Elisha S., Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 7, 1863, until March 30, 1863, when he was discharged for disa- 
bility at "Washington. 

Leach, William R., Priv. Co. G; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Leonabd, Charles T., Priv. Co. A; Res., Westerly, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly wounded 
in shoulder at Fredericksburg, Va., and sent to hospital; May 13, 
1863, detached on ammunition train and so borne until June, 1863; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Lewis, James G., Priv. Co. C; Res., Richmond, R. 1.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 28, 1863, died in regimental 
hospital at Newport News. 

Libbt, Nelson P., Corp. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 28, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 7, 1863, until May, 1863; June 29, 1863, appointed Corp.; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 

Light, Oliveb, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at Fred- 
ericksburg, Va., sent to hospital (leg amputated) and borne as absent 
sick until April 6, 1863, when he was discharged on surgeon's cer- 
tificate at Providence. 
Lindsey, William H., Sgt, Maj.; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as 1st Sgt. 
Co. F; Jan. 1863, promoted Sgt. Maj. and transferred to Non. Com. 
Staff; March 21, 1863 discharged per order. 
Linn, Petee, Sgt. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp.; June 15, 
1863, promoted Sgt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 353 

Linnet, Henry. Priv. Co. G; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Littlefield. Edward H., Priv., Co. D.; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 
27, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hos- 
pital from Feb. 8, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Littlefield, Ray, Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Livermore, John F. See John F. Loramore. 

Lock, Pardon T., 1st Sgt. Co. K; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 23, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Sgt.; 
Feb., 1863, promoted 1st Sgt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Londre, Zebulon, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 15, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Longstreet, James M., Capt. Co. B; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 17, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as absent on fur- 
lough from June 2, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Loramore John F., Corp. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Lovell, Enoch W., Musician Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 
25, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Lowe, Edwin, Sgt. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 11, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Luther, Hiram, Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29 1863, mustered out. 

Luther, Edward M., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; April 10, 1863, deserted; April 
15, 1863, joined from desertion. In Military Prison at Cincinnati, 
Ohio, awaiting sentence of G. C. M. at time of muster out. Investi- 
gation fails to elicit further information. 

Luther, William H., Priv. C. K; Res., Smithfield, R. I.; Sept. 23, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Lyghton, Thomas, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
March 27, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Lynch, Michael, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Macheret, Jules, 1st Lt. Co. C; Res., Boston, Mass.; Oct. 1, 1862, com- 
missioned; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 25, 1862, resigned. 

Macomber, Edward A., Corp. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 30, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Priv.; 
Nov. 1862, borne on duty in Ambulance Corps; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 
23 



354 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Macombeb, George E., 1st Sgt. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 17, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital 
from Feb. 7, 1863, until April, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Maginn, John, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Maloney, Cornelius, Priv. Co. 1; Sept. 19, 1862, enrolled at War- 
wick, R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; June, 1863, in Pioneer Corps; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Manchester, Albert H., Priv. Co. C; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
March 27, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, mustered out. 
Manchester, Benjamin S., Priv. Co. C; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 29, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Name not found on rolls 
of War Dept., Washington, as of Co. C, 12th R. I. Inf. Investigation 
fails to elicit further information. 
Manchester, George B. S., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 27, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hos- 
pital from Jan. 24, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 
Manchester, James, Priv. Co. D; Res., Portsmouth, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted at Provi- 
dence, R. I. 
Manchester, Sanford H., Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 29, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 
Manchester, Theodore A., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 
Manchester, William Horatio, Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 
20, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly 
wounded at Fredericksburg, Va.; Mcrch 25, 1863, detached for duty 
on ammunition train, and so borne until April, 1863. Borne on de- 
tached service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 
1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Manchester, William Henry, Corp. Co. G; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 
24, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 1, 1863, promoted 
Corp.; March, 1863, borne on duty on ammunition train. Borne on 
detached service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 
1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Manly, Lyman A., Priv. Co. E.; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Mann, Arthur. See Arthur Moan. 
Manny, Jeremiah, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 22, 1862, enrolled at Providence, 

R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29. 1863, mustered out. 
Martin, Barney F., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. 1.; Sept. 30, 1862. en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
March 27, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 355 

Martin, Francis, Corp. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. L; Oct. 1, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted at Provi- 
dence, R. I. 

Mason, James A., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Mason, John B., Corp. Co. A; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in action; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Mason, William, Priv. Co. B; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, died of wounds 
received at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va. 

Mathewson, Albert C, Priv. Co. H; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Mathewson, Alonzo, Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted at Provi- 
dence, R. I. 

Mathewson, Charles H., Corp. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 21, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Mathewson, Ennis, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, 

enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 25, 1862, detached for serv- 
ice in Ambulance Corps and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 

1863, mustered out. 

Mathewson, Horace, Musician Co. K; Aug. 28, 1862, enrolled at Bur- 
rillville, R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Mathewson, Philip, Priv. Co. K; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Oct. 4, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 14, 1863, died at Convalescent 
Hospital, Alexandria. Va. 

MLathewson, Thomas C, Priv. Co. K; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Oct. 6, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital 
from Dec. 29 1862, until March, 26, 1863, when he was discharged 
for disability at Washington, D. C. 

Matteson, George E., Priv. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 9, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 15, 1862, detached for service 
in Ambulance Corps and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Matteson, George H., Priv. Co. I; Res., Coventry, R. 1.; Sept. 15, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Mattison, Henry C, Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 16, 1863, detached as provost 
guard and so borne until April, 1863. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Mattison, Jared, Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from Feb. 8, 

1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, joined from hospital and was 
mustered out. 



356 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Matteson, Lewis J., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Matteson, Robert F., Priv. Co. I; Res., Coventry, R. L; Sept. 15, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 14, 1863, detached to Bat- 
tery D, 1st R. I. Art., and so borne until July 12, 1863, when he re- 
turned to the 12th R. I. Inf.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

May, Edmond, Sgt. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. 1.; Oct. 3, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as absent sick in hospital from 
Nov. 19, 1862, until March, 1863. Borne as sick irom June 19, 1863, 
until July; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Mayberby, David S., Sgt. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Mustered in as Corp.; March 27, 
1863, appointed Sgt.; July 29, 1863 mustered out. 

Mayhew, D. Caleb, Priv. Co. E; Kes., Bristol, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Maymosd, James, Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly wounded in 
leg at Fredericksburg, Va. ; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McAnnich, William, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 20 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McAnanly, James, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled. Name not found on rolls of War Dept. as of Co. C, 12th R. I. 
Inf. 

McArthur, John, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 19, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. 1.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 4, 1863, died at General Hospital, 
Windmill Point, Va. 

McBbide, Alamando, Priv. Co. F; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 29, 1862, sent to hospital 
and borne as absent sick until March 8, 1863, when he was discharged 
on surgeon's certificate at Baltimore, Md. 

McCabe, John, Priv. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863 mustered out. 

McCaffrey, John, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McCanna, John, Priv. Co. 1; Res., Middletown, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted. 

McCanna, Patrick, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McCarney, Edward, Priv. Co. F; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 28, 1863, deserted near 
Altoona, Pa. 

McCartan, John, Priv. Co. H; Sept. 20, 1862, enrolled at Providence, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McCarthy, John. See John McCartan. 

McCarthy, Michael, Priv. Co. H; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS OO i 

McCarthy, Patrick. Priv. Co. H; Sept. 22, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862. 
mustered in; Jan. 16, 1863, discharged for disability at camp near 
Falmouth, Va. 

McCarthy, Richard, Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Oct. 8, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McCavit, James, Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862. mustered in; Nov. 5 1862, detached as provost 
guard and so borne until Jan., 1863. Borne on supply train from 
May 11, 1863, until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McCollis, Charles, Priv. Co. G; Res., Portsmouth, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 
1863, mustered out. 

McComb, David, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
March 27 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McComb, Samuel, Priv. Co. D; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Oct. 3, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McCormick, Patrick. Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 29, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McDermot. Peter, Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, 11. 1.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 5, 1862, detached as provost 
guard and so borne until Jan., 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McDicken, Daniel, Fifer Co. F; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Priv. Co. A; 
Oct. 22, 1862, transferred to Co. F as fifer; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McDonald. Hugh, Priv. Co. I; Res., Phenix, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in shoulder at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as sick in hospital from that 
time until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McDonald, Patrick, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McGavit, James. See James McCavit. 

McGee, Arthur. Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached on supply 
train and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McGee, William, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. 1.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McGetric, Dominic, Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Name not found on rolls of 
War Dept as of Co. A, 12th R. I. Inf. 

McGetrick, John, Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. 1.; Oct. 2, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McGetric, Patrick, Priv. Co. K; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 29, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McGier. John F., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



358 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

McGovebn, James, Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McGovebn, Patbick, Corp. Co. C; Sept. 17, 1862, enrolled at Johnston, 
R. I; March 9, 1863, promoted Corp.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McGowan, Michael, Priv. Co. A; Res., Westerly, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McGuinness, Michael, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 16, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital 
from June 21, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McIntyre, John, Priv. Co. H; Oct. 10, 1862, enrolled at Providence, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted at Providence, R. 1. 

McKelvey, John, Priv. Co. H; Res.. Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862. en- 
rolled. Name not found on rolls of War Dept., Washington, as of 
Co. H, 12th Regt, R. I. Inf. 

McLaughlin, Michael, Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 5, 1862, detached on service 
as provost guard and so borne until Jan., 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

McMahon, John, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in foot at 
Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick in hospital until March 
12, 1863, when he was discharged for disability at Lovell General 
Hospital, Portsmouth Grove, R, I. 

McMann, John. See John McMahon. 

McMann, Patrick, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 19, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McNelly, John, Priv. Co. B; Res., Providence, R. 1.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McNinch, William. See William McAnnich. 

McNulty, John, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McPeak, Thomas, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 20, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in foot at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick in hospital 
until March 24, 1863, when he was discharged for disability. 

McQuaid, Barnabd, Priv. Co. E; Res., South Kingstown, R. I; Sept. 14, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at 
the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick in hos- 
pital from that time until May, 1863; May 20, 1863, detached for ser- 
vice in Invalid Corps and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

McQueeney, James, Priv. Co. E; Sept. 18, 1862, enrolled at Warren, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McTwiggan, James, Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

McVey, Felix, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 359 

McWinch, William. See William' McAnnich. 

Medbury, Mathew C, Priv. Co. E; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 17, 1863, discharged on 
surgeon's certificate at camp near Falmouth, Va. 

Melville, Geoege, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in leg at 
the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick in hospital 
from that time until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Melville, James, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 9, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in leg at 
the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as sick in hospital from 
that time until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Merchant, Amaziah, Priv. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Millen, Barney, Priv. Co. H; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled. Name not found on rolls of War Dept. as of Co. H, 12th R. I. 
Inf. 

Miller, James M., Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. 1.; Sept. 17, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Dec. 1, 1862, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Miller, James W., Priv. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 7, 1863, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Miller, Joseph, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 19, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Miller, Leprelet, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached for service 
on supply train and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Miller, Nathaniel L., Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Sept. 30, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Missing in action Dec. 
13, 1862. Investigation fails to elicit further information. 

Miller, Samuel W., Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 25, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital 
from Jan. 24, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Miller, William F., Corp. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. 1.; Oct. 3, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; April 17, 1863, appointed Corp. 
Borne on detached service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, 
until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Millington, Thomas, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in 
shoulder at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as sick in 
hospital until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Mills, Alexander, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 16, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



360 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Milward, Samuel, Priv. Co. I; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 27, 1863, sent to hospital 
and borne as absent sick until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Minahan. John, Priv. Co. Co. C; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Mustek, Oliver, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 22, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; Oct. 
13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, severely wounded in leg at 
Fredericksbui'g and borne as absent sick in hospital until July, 1863; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Minkleb, William, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Minnihan, James, Priv. Co. B; Sept. 26, 1862, enrolled at Cranston, R. I. 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Mitchell David, Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 28, 1863, died of disease at 
regimental hospital, Newport News, Va. 

Mitchell, Jesse D., Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. 1.; Sept. 23, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital 
from Feb., 1863, until March 5, 1863, when he died. 

Mitchell, John R., Priv. Co. F; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 12, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, died of 
wounds received in action at Fredericksburg, Va. 

Mitchell, Peleg, Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Mitchell, Richard, Priv. Co. F; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Mitchell, Stephen D. W., Priv. Co. H; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Oct. 8, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 14, 1863, detached to Bat- 
tery D, 1st R. I. Art., and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Moan, Arthur, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Nov. 20, 1862, until Jan., 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Monaghan, Cornelius, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 16, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Monaghan, John. See John Monnagan. 

Monnagan, John, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, borne on duty on 
ammunition train; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Moon, William, Priv. Co. D; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Moonet, Peter, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Moore, Edmund, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 861 

Morris, Albert, Priv. Co. C; Res., Coventry, R- I.; Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
March 27, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Mowry. David C, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 6, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Mowry, Oren, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service from 
March, 1863, until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Mowry, Shadrack O., Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 21, 1863, discharged on 
surgeon's certificate at Newport News, Va. 

Muldoon, Hugh, Priv. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Mullaly, John, Priv. Co. H; Sept. 23, 1862, enrolled at North Providence, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; May, 1863, on supply train; July 29, 
1863, mustered out. 

Mullen, Hugh, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 29, 1862, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until March 14, 1863, when he was discharged on 
surgeon's certificate from Portsmouth Grove Hospital. 

Mullen, John, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Mulvey, John, Priv. Co. D; Res,, Newport, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Munger, Felix, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Munroe, Fitz E. W., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Munroe, George F., Priv. Co. C; Oct 13, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mus- 
tered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Munroe, William, Corp. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. 1.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Munroe, William H., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Murphy, John, Priv. Co. H; Oct. 11, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mus- 
tered in; Jan. 16, 1863, discharged for disability at camp near Fal- 
mouth, Va. 

Murray, John, Priv. Co. C; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863 mustered out. 

Mutton, George T\, Corp. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from Dec. 1, 
1862, until Jan. 7, 1863, when he was discharged on surgeon's cer- 
tificate at Columbian Hospital, Washington, D. C. 

Myers, Samuel A., Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 20, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, killed at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, Va. 



362 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Najac, Munson H., 1st Lt. Co. I; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, com- 
missioned; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in Originally served as 2d Lt.; 
Feb. 19, 1863, promoted 1st Lt. Mustered out as 2d Lt. and mus- 
tered in as 1st Lt. to date from March 1, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Natlor, Alfred Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Neff, Edwin M., Priv. Co. K; Oct. 6, 1862, enrolled at Providence, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 6, 1863, detailed as nurse in hospital 
and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Newell, John, Priv. Co. F; Res., South Kingstown, R. 1.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly wounded 
in head at Fredericksburg, Va.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Newman, Charles, Corp. Co. F; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; June 24, 1863, promoted Corp.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Newman, George, Priv. Co. H; Oct. 9, 1862, enrolled at Westerly, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Nichols Albert C, Corp Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 1, 1863, promoted Corp. Borne 
on detached service at Nicholasville, Ky,, from April 7, 1863, until 
July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Nichols, Charles A., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in, Borne on daily duty with am- 
munition train, from March 25, 1863, until April, 1863. Borne on 
detached service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 
1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Nichols, Charles E., Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 22, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly 
wounded at Fredericksburg, Va; March, 1863, detached on supply 
train and so borne until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Nichols, George H., Priv. Co. A; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on ammunition train from 
March 25, 1863, until June 14, 1863, when he reported for duty; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Nichols, Lucius P., Corp. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 8, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Nichols, William F., Corp. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 1, 1863, promoted Corp.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Niles, George W., Priv. Co. 1; Res., Richmond, R. I.; Sept. 13, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Niles, John C, Priv. Co. H; Sept. 22, 1862, enrolled at North Providence, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Noon, Michael, Priv. Co. C; Sept. 11, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 363 

Noonan, James, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 28, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov., 1862, in Ambulance Corps; 
Dec. 13, 1862, slightly wounded in head at Fredericksburg, Va.; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 

Noreis, Thomas, Wagoner Co. H; Res., Smithfield, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on ammunition train 
from March, 1863, until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Nobthup, Benjamin \v . (J., Priv. Co. I; Res., North Kingstown, R. I.; 
Sept. 15, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1862, 
mustered out. 

Nobthup, John Jr., Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 20, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Nobthup, Robert F., Priv. Co. C; Res., Exeter, R. i.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Nobthup, William H., Priv. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. 1.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Nye, Geobqe L., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Oatley, John R., Corp. Co. K; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 30, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Oatly, Samuel, Priv. Co. E; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 9, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

O'Brien, James, Priv. Co. C; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, severely wounded 
in leg at Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as sick in hospital until 
July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

O'Bbien, James, Priv. Co. I; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 13, 1862, en- 
rolled; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., 
and borne as absent sick in hospital until March 24, 1863, when he 
returned to the regiment; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

O'Connell, David, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. 1.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

O'Donnell, Edward, Priv. Co. H; Oct. 10, 1862, enrolled at Hopkinton, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 7, 1863, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Ogden, John, Priv. Co. G; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at Nicholas- 
ville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Olney, Charles W., Priv. Co. I; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
June 20, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

O'Neil, James, Jr., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

O'Neil, Patbick, Priv. Co. H; Sept. 22, 1862, enrolled at Providence, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



364 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

O'Riley, Jefferson, Wagoner, Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov., 1862, detached for service 
in Ambulance Corps and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Osgood, Samuel, J., Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 20, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Owens, Frederic. Priv. Co. I; Oct. 1, 1862, enrolled at East Greenwich, 

R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; June 4, 1863, sent to hospital and 
borne as sick until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Owens, John, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 11, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Page, Charles H., Priv. Co. A; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov., 1862, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Paine, Alvin H., Corp. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec, 1862, wounded in action 
and Dome as sick in hospital until March 12, 1863, when he was dis- 
charged for disability at Lovell General Hospital, Portsmouth Grove, 
R. I. 

Paine, Bbenezer A. J., Priv. Co. C; Oct. 2, 1862, enrolled at Johnston, 
R. I. Borne as sick in hospital at Washington D. C, from Feb. 7, 

1863, until July 2, 1863, when he died. 

Palmer, Amos, Priv. Co. G; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 30, 1862, detailed as nurse in 
hospital and so borne until April, 1863. Borne as absent sick in hos- 
pital from April 9, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Palmer, Thomas P., Priv. Co. G; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan., 1863, sent to hospital 
and borne as absent sick until March 2, 1863, when he was furloughed 
for thirty days; May 8, 1863, detached for service in Invalid Corps; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Pabdy, Henry M., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Parker, Alfred, Musician Co. B; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Transferred to N. C. S. as 
drum major; March 1, 1863, retransferred to Co. B; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Parkhurst. Charles R., Priv. Co. G; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 22, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862. wounded 
(arm broken) at Fredericksburg, Va., sent to hospital and borne as 
absent sick until Jan. 5, 1863, when he was discharged for disability. 

Partelow, Charles, Priv. Co. G; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 14, 1863, detached for ser- 
vice on supply train and so borne until April, 1863. Borne on de- 
tached service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 
1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 865 

Patt, George W., Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 25, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 18, 1863, discharged 
for disability at Washington, D. C. 

Patt, Like J., Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Patt, William W. W., Priv. Co. I; Res., Scituate, R. 1.; Sept. 17, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Patterson. John A. C, Priv. Co. F; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
April 8, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Payne, Alvin H. See Alvin H. Paine. 

Payne, George, Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in hand 
at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick in hos- 
pital until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Pearce, Alonzo. Priv. Co. E., Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, severely wounded at 
the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., sent to hospital and borne as absent 
sick until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Pearce. Henry W., Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 18G2, mustered in; Jan. 8, 1863, died in Reg't'l 
Hospital at camp near Falmouth, Va. 

Pearce, William F., Musician Co. K; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 6, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service with 
Co. G at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Peck, Horatio N, Priv. Co. E; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 12, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Dec. 1, 1862, until March 10, 1863, when he returned to the regiment; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Peck, Ashael A., Priv. Co. I; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 13, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Peck. Peleg J., Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; May 11, 1863, detached on supply 
train and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Peckham, Fenner H., Jr., 2d Lt. Co. G; Res., Providence, R. I.; March 
7, 1863, enrolled. Originally served as 2d Lt. Co. I; April 26, 1863, 
transferred to Co. B; May 27, 1863, transferred to Co. G; July 29, 

1863, mustered out. 

Peckham, Leander, Priv. Co. D; Res., Middletown, R. 1.; Sept. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Dec, 1862, until March 10, 1863, when he was discharged for dis- 
ability at Baltimore. 

Pelky, David, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville. R. I.; Aug. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Dec. 29, 1862, until March, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Pelky, Frank, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; "July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



366 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Pendleton, James M., 1st Lt. Co. B; Res., Westerly, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, 
commissioned; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as 2d 
Lt. Co. K. Mustered out as 2d Lt. and mustered in as 1st Lt. to date 
from Dec. 25, 1862; Dec, 1862, transferred to Co. B as 1st Lt.; Jan. 
1, 1863, detached as A. D. C. to Gen. Nagle; March 11, 1863, died of 
disease at Westerly, R. 1. 

Pendleton, John P., Priv. Co. A; Res., Westerly, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, severely wounded 
in shoulder at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent 
sick in hospital until March 27, 1863, when he was discharged on sur- 
geon's certificate. 

Perkins, John, Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at Freder- 
icksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick until May 13, 1863, when he 
reported for duty from Patterson Park Hospital, Baltimore, Md.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Pebkins, Thomas K., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Perky, Oliver H., Capt. Co. H. Enrolled at Providence, R. I.; Oct. 13, 
1862, commissioned; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Phetteplace, Amasa, Corp. Co. K; Res., Providence, R. 1.; Oct. 8, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 23, 1862, deserted. 

Phetteplace, James, Corp. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Phillips, James, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 21, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 7, 1863, until May, 1863; May, 1863, detached for service in 
Ambulance Corps and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Phillips, John J., Capt. Co. E; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 10, 1862, 
commissioned; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Phillips, William R., Priv. Co. K; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Aug., 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Pierce. See Pearce. 

Pierce, Charles S., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Pierce, Dutee J., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 19, 1863, detached on service 
as provost guard and so borne until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Pelbce, George C, Corp. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 20, 1863, appointed Corp.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Pierce, John F., Sgt., Co. A; Res., Providence, R. 1.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp.; July 
1, 1863, promoted Sgt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 367 

Pierce, Luther P., Priv. Co. D; Res., Little Compton, R. I.; Sept. 11, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital 
from Feb. 8, 1863, until May, 1863; May 12, 1863, detached on supply 
train and so borne until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Pierson, James, Musician Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Place, Edward B., Priv. Co. H; Sept. 17, 1862, enrolled at Scituate, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 19, 1862, deserted. 

Place, Charles J., Priv. Co. B; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 27, 1862, discharged for dis- 
ability. 

Place, John TV, Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Place, William H. H., Priv. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Pollard, John, Priv. Co. B; Sept. 18, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 31, 1862, mus- 
tered in; Jan. 15, 1863, detached to Battery D, 1st R. I. Art., and so 
borne until July 10, 1863, when he returned to the 12th R. 1. Inf.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Pollard, Joseph, 2d Lt. Co. G; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as 1st Sgt.; 
Dec. 22, 1862, promoted 2d Lt. and mustered in as such to date from 
Dec. 24, 1862; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., sent to 
hospital and borne as absent sick until Feb., 1863, wnen he returned 
to duty. Borne on detached service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 
7, 1863, until May, 1863; May 23, 1863, resigned. 

Pomford, Adam, Priv. Co. H; Sept. 17, 1862, enrolled at Providence, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached on supply train and 
so borne until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Potter, Asahael S. Sgt., Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Potter, Charles H., 2d Lt. Co. K; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Sgt. Co. 
G; Nov. 27, 1862, promoted Sgt. Maj. and mustered out as Sgt. Maj. 
and mustered in as 2d Lt. to date from Dec. 22, 1862. Assigned to 
Co. K. Promoted for gallant conduct at the battle of Fredericksburg, 
Va.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Potter, Charles A., Sgt. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Potter, Emory G., Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
March 27, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

•Potter, William H. H., Priv. Co. I; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Potts, John, Priv. Co. A; Res., Coventry, R. 1.; Oct. 3, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



368 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Peay, Henky C, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on extra duty as teamster 
from Dec, 1862, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Pbeece, Thomas, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 8, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Preston, Joseph W., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 9, 1862, discharged on sur- 
geon's certificate. 

Pbew, Charles H., Priv. Co. I; Sept. 11, 18b2, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 26, 1862, detached for service on am- 
munition train and so borne until May 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Prior, Frank, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Proffit, James A., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Prosser, William M., Sgt. Co. F; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 13, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as 
Priv. Promoted Corp.; Jan. 1, 1863, appointed Sgt.; May, 1863, borne 
on supply train; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Pullen, Randall, 1st Sgt. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. 1.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862 mustered in. Originally served as Sgt.; March 
1, 1863, appointed 1st Sgt.; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at Fredericksburg, 
Va. Borne as sick in hospital from June 18, 1863, until July, 1863; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Quill, Henry. See Henry Zuill. 

Quinlan, Michael, Priv. Co. K; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 23, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, severely 
wounded in leg at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as 
sick in hospital from that time until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Ragan, Patrick, Priv. Co. A; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Oct. 4, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Ramsden, John, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Randall, Charles J., Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Randall, Cyrus S., Priv. Co. F; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 7, 1863, until April 29, 1863, when he was discharged for disa- 
bility at Washington, D. C. 

Raney, John, Priv. Co. I; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, enrolled; 
Jan. 14, 1863, detached to Battery D, 1st R. I. Art., and so borne until 
July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Rathburn John,, Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. 1.; Sept. 30, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 369 

Ready, Patrick, Priv. Co. H; Res., Smithfield, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Reddington, James, Corp. Co. G; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Reddy, Edward, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Reddy William, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Reding, William, Priv. Co. G; Res., 'iiverton, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled. Name not found on rolls of War Dept. as of Co. G, 12th R. I. 
Inf. 

Regan, James, Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. 1.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Name not found on rolls oi Co. C, 
12th R. i. Inf. 

Remington, Henry A., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 11, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served in Co. I; Nov. 
26, 1862, transferred to Co. A; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Remington, Joseph H., Musician Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 2, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Remington, Thomas E., Wagoner Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 30, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service 
at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 

1863, mustered out. 

Reynolds, Jason B., Priv., Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Reynolds, Michael, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, 
enrolled. Name not found on rolls of War Dept. as of Co. C, 12th 
R. I. ii-l. 

Rice. Ambrose E., Priv. Co. I; Sept. 15, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from Dec. 1, 
1862, until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Rice, Ephraim, Jr., Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Richardson, Erastus, Priv. Co. F; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 
22, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached 
service as Quartermaster's clerk from Oct. 13, 1862, until Jan., 1863. 
Borne as absent on furlough from Feb. 27, 1863, until May, 1863; 
May, 1863, resumed duties as Quartermaster's clerk and so borne 
until July; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Richardson George E., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 25, 1862, died of disease at 
Fairfax Seminary. 

Richardson, Walter W., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 29, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, borne on am- 
munition train; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

24 



370 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Richie, Robert, Corp. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service as 
provost guard from Nov. 5, 1862, until Jan., 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Richmond, Geoege W., Priv. Co. E; Res., Barrington, R. 1.; Sept. 24, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 15, 1863, died in Car- 
ver Hospital, Washington, D. C, from wounds received at the battle 
of Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. 

Richmond, Samuel N., Sgt. Co. A; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 25, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in- Originally served as 
Corp.; Jan. 1, 1863, promoted Sgt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Rila, James, Priv. Co. F; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Riley, Jeffekson O. See Jefferson O'Riley. 

Riley, James, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, ankle dislocated by 
shell at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick 
in hospital until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Riley, Peter, Priv. Co. H; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Riley, Simon, Priv. Co. K; Res., Pascoag, R. I.; Aug. 25, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Ritchie. David L., Priv. Co. C; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Roberts, Charles. Priv. Co. A; Sept. 2, 1862, enrolled at Cranston, R. 1. 
Deserted prior to Nov. 17, 1862. 

Roberts, George A., Jr., Corp. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. 1.; Sept. 
21, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Roberts, Henry H., Priv. Co. I; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 8, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 30, 1862, detached as brigade 
wagoner. Borne on detached service as provost guard from Feb. 16, 

1863, until May, 1863; June, 1863, borne as teamster; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Roberts, John Sandford, 1st Lt. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 
14, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as 
2d Lt; Dec. 24, 1862, promoted 1st Lt.; Jan. 16, 1863, resigned. 

Roffee, Earl E., Priv. Co. E; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 12, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Roffee, Eugene I., Priv. Co. E; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 12, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached on supply 
train and so borne until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Rogers, Abner, L., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 371 

Rogers, William C, Capt. Co. G; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 9, 1862, commissioned 1st 
Lt. Mustered out as 1st Lt. and mustered in as Capt. to date from 
Nov. 4, 1862. Borne on detached service as provost marshal at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Rounds, Ezra B., Priv. Co. A; Res., Foster, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Rowe, Charles, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, en- 
rolled. Name not found on rolls of War Dept. as of Co. C, 12th R. I. 
Inf. 

Ryan, James, Priv. Co I; Sept. 10, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; Oct. 
13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Ryan, Michael, Priv. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Ryan, William A., Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 13, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862 mustered in. Borne on detached service as pro- 
vost guard at Div. Hd. Qrs., from Feb. 18, 1863, until July, 1863; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Salisbury, xilonzo F., Priv. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. 1.; Sept. 19, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 11, 1863, died of disease in 
regimental hospital at camp near Falmouth, Va. 

Salisbury Andrew J., Priv. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 17, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Salisbury, Arnold F., 1st Lt. Co. H; Oct. 13, 1862, commissioned; Oct. 
17, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Salisbury, Jeremiah, Priv. Co. I; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 11, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service as 
brigade wagoner from Feb. 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Salisbury, William S., Corp. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 
22, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Salt, Thomas, Priv. Co. A; Res., Westerly, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Sanderson, Humphry, Priv. Co. G; Res., Portsmouth, R. 1.; Sept. 19, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 26, 1862, discharged 
on surgeons certificate from Fort Wood, N. Y. 

Sandford George I., Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. 1.; Sept. 13, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Saunders, Joseph T., Priv. Co. A; Res., Westerly, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly wounded 
in hand at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and sent to hospital. Re- 
joined the regiment; July Z9, 1863, mustered out. 



372 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Sayles, Henry C, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Scott, Benjamin F., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Scott, Elisha, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from Jan. 24, 
1863, until May 5, 1863, when he was discharged for disability at 
Portsmoutn Grove Hospital. 

Scott, Walter A., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 7, 1863, until April 20, 1863, when he reported for duty; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 

Scott, William P., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 7, 1863, until May, 1863; May, 1863, detached to Invalid Corps 
and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Seekell, Apollos, Jr., Corp. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 29, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as 
Priv.; May 11, 1863, detached on supply train, and so borne until 
June, 1863; July 29, 1663, mustered out. 

Shain, Eugene M. See Eugene M. Thain. 

Shaw, David, Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at Nicholas- 
ville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. 

Shaw, George R., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Shaw, James, Jr., Lt. Col.; Dec. 31, 1862, commissioned. Mustered in to 
date Jan. 5, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out; Oct. 27, 1863, ap- 
pointed Col. of the 7th U. S. Col. Troops and mustered in as such 
Nov. 14, 1863. Bvt. Brig. Gen. for gallant and meritorious service, 
to date March 13, 1865; Oct. 13, 1866, mustered out. 

Sheen, Dennis, Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Sheldon, Henry L., Priv. Co. I; Sept. 15, 1862, enrolled ai Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from Dec. 1, 

1862, until March, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Sheldon, John, Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. x3, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from Feb. 8, 

1863, until Feb. 25, 1863, when he died in hospital in Philadelphia, 
Pa. 

Sherman, Charles E., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 373 

Sheeman, David, Priv. Co. D; Res., Portsmouth, R. 1.; Sept. 10, 18b2, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Dec. 1, 1862, until April 20, 1863, when he returned to regiment; May 
12, 1863, detached on supply train; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Shebman, Elisha O., Sgt. Co. I; Res. Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp.; 
July 29, 1862, mustered out. 

Sherman, James A., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Sherman John F., Priv. Co. K; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 28, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Sherman, Manly S., Priv. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, 
enrolled. Name not found on rolls of War Dept. as of Co. H, 12th 
R. I. Inf. 

Sherman, Simon G., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Sherman, Thomas, Corp. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. 1.; Sept. 24, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 23, 1863, appointed Corp.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Sherman, William N., Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, 11. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in arm 
at Fredericksburg, Va., sent to hospital and borne as absent sick 
until March 14, 1863, when he was discharged on surgeon's certi- 
ficate. 

Shippee, James F., Priv. Co. I; Res., West Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 17, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; borne as sick in hospital 
from Jan. 24 1863, until April 22, 1863, when he returned to the reg- 
iment; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Shriar, Joseph, Priv. Co. K; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 24, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Simmons, George W., Sgt. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, severely wounded 
in leg at Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as sick in hospital from that 
time until March 5, 1863, when he was discharged for disability at 
Lovell General Hospital, Portsmouth Grove, R. I. 

Simmons, Isaac S., Jr., Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. 1.; Sept. 15, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Simmons, Samuel C, Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Dec. 1, 1862, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Simmons William E., Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. 1.; Sept. 16, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as brigade blacksmith 
from April 28, 1863, until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



374 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Simms, John, Priv. Co. H; Sept. 17, 1862, enrolled Providence, R. L; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly wounded in leg at 
Fredericksburg, Va., sent to hospital and borne as absent sick until 
July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Slade, George, Priv. Co. B; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from April 8, 
1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Slocum, Albert A., Sgt. Co. G; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on duty in Ambulance 
Corps from Nov. 4, 1862, until April, 1863. Borne on detached 
service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Slocum, Alexis, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Slocum, Edmund D., Corp. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Slocum, Judson B., Priv. Co. A; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Smith, Albert A., Priv. Co. B; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Smith, Benjamin P., Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 20, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital 
from Feb. 8, 1863, until March 10, 1863, when he died of disease at 
Newport News, Va. 

Smith, Charles B., Corp. Co. I; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled. Originally served as Priv.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Smith, Edson B., Priv. Co. G; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 11, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 1863, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until April 20, 1863, when he was discharged 
for disability. 

Smith, Edward, Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Smith Francis, Priv. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at the 
battle of Fredericksburg. Va., and borne as absent sick in hospital 
from that time until May 11, 1863, when he was returned to duty. 
Muster out roll of Co. dated July 29, 1863, has remark "Not re- 
ported for muster out." Investigation fails to elicit further infor- 
mation. 

Smith, Frederick H., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in hand 
at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as sick in hospital 
until Feb., 1863. Considered a deserter from Feb. 28, 1863. 

Smith, George, Priv. Co. D; Oct. 1, 1862, enrolled at Providence, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 18, 1862, discharged on surgeon's 
certificate at Fort Wood Hospital, N. Y. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 375 

Smith, George F., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 16, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Smith, James, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Smith, James M., Priv. Co. G; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 2, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Smith, Michael, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 19, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded (left arm shot off) 
at Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick in hospital from 
that time until April 22, 1863, when he was discharged for disability 
at Washington, D. C. 

Smith, Moses A., Priv. Co. E; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 12, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Smith, Patrick, Priv. Co. 1; Sept. 10, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 1, 1862, deserted. 

Smith, Terrence, Corp. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 12, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Priv. 
Borne on detached service from Feb., 1863, until April, 1863; July i9, 
1863, mustered out. 

Smith, Theodore H., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Smith, Thomas, Priv. Co. H; Oct. 10, 1862, enrolled at Cranston, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Smith, Thomas P., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Smith, William R., Corp. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Priv.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Spaulding, Ezra K., Priv. Co. K; Res., Pascoag, R. I.; Aug. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Spellacy, Michael, Corp. Co. I; Oct. 4, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 1, 1863, appointed Corp.; July 29, 
1863, mustered out. 

Spencer, Edward W., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. 1.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached on supply 
train and so borne until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Spencer, James L., Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 20, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Spencer, John T., Priv. Co. I; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 16, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 29, 1863, discharged 
for disability. 



376 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Spencer Nathaniel, Priv. Co. G; Res., Portsmouth, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Spencer, William I., Corp. Co. A; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Spencer, William C, Priv. Co. I; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 10, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Sperry, Henry, Priv. Co. K; Res., East Greenwich, R. 1.; Sept. 24, 1862, 
enrolled; Sept. 24, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Spink, George A., Capt. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 9, 1862, commissioned; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 

Spink, George T., Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 20, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 12, 1863, died of 
disease at Newport News, Va. 

Sprague, Benjamin, Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 23, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital 
from March 26, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Sprague, Benjamin, 3d, Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 
29, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mus- 
tered out. % 

Sprague, Civilian, Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 20, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in, Dec. 13, 1862, killed at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, Va. 

Sprague, Sennaca, Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 20, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Springer, Thomas, Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Staples, Joseph H., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detacehd service at 
battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick in hospital 
until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Starrs. Patrick, Priv. Co. H; Oct. 14, 1862, enrolled at Pawtucket, R. I.; 
Feb. 7, 1863, sent to hospital and borne as absent sick until July, 
1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Stedman, Harrison, Priv. Co. K; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 8, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Stetson, George W. See George W. Stutson. 

Stinal, Charles. See Charles Stindee. 

Stindee, Charles. Priv. Co. H; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted. 

Stindel, Charles. See Charles Stindee. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 377 

Stow, Lorenzo, Corp. Co. C; Res., Providence, It. L; Oct. 8, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 16, 1863, died in regimental 
hospital at camp near Falmouth, Va. 

Strait, John T., Corp. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Straight Oliver, Priv. Co. K; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 10, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 22, 1862, died in hos- 
pital opposite Fredericksburg, Va. 

Studdard, William. See William Suddard. 

Studley, James L., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Stutson, George W., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 9, 1863, until June 3, 1863, when he was discharged on surgeon's 
certificate. 

Suddard, William, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Suesman, Albert L., Corp. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered m; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Sullivan, Michael, Musician Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 18, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Sullivan, Timothy. Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Sutliff. James, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 7, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan., 1863, detached to Battery D, 
1st R. I. Art., and so borne until July 12, 1863, when he returned to 
the 12th R. I. Vols.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Sutcliffe, Roger W., Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. 1.; Oct. 1, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in 
foot at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick 
in hospital until May, 1863; May 8, 1863, detached to Invalid Corps 
and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Sweet, Ansel L., Corp. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 17, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Sweet, Charles J., Sgt. Co. H; Res., Smithfield, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Sweetland, James L., Jr., Priv. Co. E; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 12, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Sweetland, Samuel M., Priv. Co. E; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 19, 

1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Tabek, George, Priv. Co. H; Res., Exeter, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from Feb. 7, 

1863, until May 20, 1863, when he was discharged for disability at 
Philadelphia, Pa. 



378 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Tabeb, George H., 1st. Lt. Co. D; Oct. 13, 1862, commissioned; Oct. 13,, 
1862, mustered in. Originally served as 2d Lt. Mustered out as 
2d Lt. and mustered in as 1st Lt. to date from Dec. 25, 1862; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 

Tabeb, Lemuel W., Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Taft, Peteb, Priv. Co. C; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 14, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Missing after the battle of Fredericks- 
burg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862; March 25, 1863, discharged for disability. 

Tanner, Charles J., Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Tanner, Clark H., Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. L; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 9, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Tanner, William, Priv. Co. K; Res., East Providence, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 7, 1863, until June 12, 1863, when he was discharged on sur- 
geon's certificate. 

Tattersall, Roger, Corp. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; June 15, 1863, promoted Corp.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Tayee, John W., Corp. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Taylor, Cyrus, Priv. Co. K; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13 1862, mustered in. Not borne on rolls of Co. subsequent to 
muster-in. 

Taylor, Elisha I., Priv. Co. C; Res., Newport, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Taylor, Isaac, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Taylob, Thomas R., Se., Priv. Co. I; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 
12, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hos- 
pital from Dec. 1, 1862, until May 25, 1863, when he was discharged 
on surgeon's certificate at Washington, D. C. 

Taylob, Thomas R., Jb., Priv. Co. I; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 10, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital 
from Dec. 1, 1862, until Jan. 13, 1863, when he was discharged on 
surgeon's certificate. 

Taylob, William, Priv. Co. I; Sept. 13, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Tennant, Ezra A., Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 17, 1863, detailed as provost 
guard and so borne until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Tetroe, Peter, Priv. Co. C; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 379 

Tew, Browning G., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, borne on ammunition 
train. Borne on detached service at Nicholasville, Ky., from April 
7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Tew, Elisha G., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. 1.; Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 
1863, mustered out. 

Tew, James, Priv. Co. I; Res., Charlestown, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 29, 1862, sent to hospital at 
Washington and borne as absent sick until Jan. 5, 1863, when he 
died at Lincoln Hospital, Washington. 

Tew, John W., Priv. Co. I; Res., Charlestown, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 8, 1863, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until May, 1863. Borne on detached service 
with Invalid Corps from May, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Thain, Eugene M., Sgt. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Oct. 14, 1862, en- 
rolled; Jan. 1, 1863, promoted Corp.; June 29, 1863, promoted Sergt., 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Thile, Henry, Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Thomas. John, Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; June, 1863, borne as teamster; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Thompson, Andrew C, Sgt. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 16, 1863. detached as 
provost guard, 2d Div. 9th A. C. and so borne until May, 1863; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 

Thompson, Lyman, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 27, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Thornton, Cyrus M., Sgt. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp.; April 
1, 1863, promoted Sgt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Thornton, John E., Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Thurber, Edmond J., Priv. Co. C; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Name not found on rolls of War 
Dept. as of Co. C, 12th R. I. Inf. Investigation fails to elicit further 
information. 

Thurber, Samuel P., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached on supply 
train and so borne until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Thurber, Stephen I., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 4, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded in side 
at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., sent to hospital and borne as 
absent sick until July, 1863; July 29. 1863, mustered out. 



880 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Tibbitts, Horace W., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Oct. 4, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Tilley, Edwin H., Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
March 26, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Tiillinghast, Henry M., 2d Lt. Co. D; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Origi- 
nally served in Co. C, 4th Reg't; Dec. 12, 1862, commissioned 2d Lt. 
Co. D, 12th Reg't, and assigned to this Co. Feb. 15, 1863; July 29, 
1863, mustered out. 

Tillinghast, Isaac, Priv. Co. A; Sept. 27, 1862, enrolled at Providence, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded severely in 
shoulder and side at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., sent to hos- 
pital and borne as absent sick until May, 1863. Borne on detached 
service in Invalid Corps from May 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 
1863, mustered out. 

Tillinghast, John A., Corp. Co. A; Res., Exeter, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Tillinghast, Pardon E., Q. M. Sgt; Res., Pawtucket, R. I.; Sept. 13, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Tinkham, Thomas, Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan., 1863, died in hospital at 
camp near Falmouth, Va. 

Tompkins, Winfield S., Corp. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Toomey, John, Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. 1.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted. 

Tost, Charles. See Charles Yost. 

Tourgee, George R., Musician Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; May 1, 1863 died of disease at 
■Richmond, Ky. 

Tourtellot, Cassius, Priv. Co. K; Res., Pascoag, R. 1.; Sept. 17, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on supply train from 
May 11, 1863, until June, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Trainer, John, Corp. Co. H; Sept. 18, 1862, enrolled at North Providence, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Trainer, Michael, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 6, 1863, discharged for dis- 
ability. 

Travers, Francis, Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on ammunition train from 
March 25, 1863, until June 14, 1863, when he reported for duty; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 

Tripe, Samuel B., Corp. Co. F; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 8, 1863, promoted Corp.; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 381 

Tucker, William, Priv. Co. G; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 24, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Turner, Charles P., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Oct. 3, 1862, en 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Turner, John, 1st Lt. and Adj., F and S; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Oct. 8, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 25, 1862, resigned. 

Tyler, Ebenezer C, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, borne on ammu- 
nition train; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Tyler, Henry O., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Tyler, John H., Corp. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Vaughn, Albert A., Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 27, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; borne as sick in hospital 
from Jan. 26, 1863, until April 20, 1863, when he reported for duty; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Very, Henry B., Priv. Co. A; Res., North Kingstown, R. 1.; Oct. 6, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec 13, 1862, wounded at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick in hospital 
from that time until March 22, 1863, when he was discharged on 
surgeon's certificate. 

Vicars, John G., Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick in hospital 
until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Vickery, Robert M., Priv. Co. G; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Wahler. A. Frank, Musician Co. I; Sept., 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, 
mustered in. Originally served as Priv. Co. B; June 18, 1863, sent 
to hospital and borne as absent sick until July, 1863, July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 
Waite, Stephen C, Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 
Wakefield, George, Priv. Co. K; Res., Glocester, R. I.; Oct. 2. 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Waldron, William H., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



382 HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Walker, Henry, Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as sick in hospital until 
March 31, 1863, when he was discharged on surgeon's certificate. 

Walker, Lysander B., Priv. Co. K; Res., East Providence, R. I.; Sept. 
30, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Walsh, Michael, Jr., Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Oct. 
8, 1862, enrolled. Name not found on rolls of War Dept. as of Co. 
H, 12th R. 1. Inf. 

Ward, James, Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Wardwell, James D., Jr., Priv. Co. E; Res., Bristol, R. I.; Oct. 1, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Waterman, Elisha P., Priv. Co. A; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Watson, Henry H., Priv. Co. E; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 29, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 9, 1863, until May, 1863, May 20, 1863, detached for service in 
Invalid Corps and so borne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Watson, Lewis A., Wagoner Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Oct. 15, 1862, until Jan., 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Weatherhead, Amasa, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 16, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Weaver, George, Priv. Co. K; Aug. 26, 1862, enrolled at Burrillville, R. 1.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Furloughed for sixty days from Dec. 29, 

1862. Borne as absent sick from Feb. 7, 1863, until June 5, 1863, 
when he was discharged on surgeon's certificate from Eckington 
Hospital. 

Weaver, George H., Priv. Co. I; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, sent to hospital and 
borne as absent sick until Jan., 1863; Jan. 15, 1863, detached to Bat- 
tery D, 1st R. I. L. A., and borne as absent sick in hospital from 
Jan. 25, 1863, until March 15, 1863, when he was discharged for dis- 
ability. 

Weaver, John H., 2d Lt. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 13, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as 1st Sgt; 
April 17, 1863, promoted 2d Lt. Mustered out as 1st Sgt., April 30, 

1863, and mustered in as 2d Lt. to date April 26, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Weaver, Jonathan R., Sgt. Co. I; Res., Warwick, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Webr, Charles H., Priv. Co. I; Res., Johnston, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 12, 1863, died of disease 
at Washington, D. C. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 38'3 

Webb, Geokge A., Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 20, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan., 1863, detached to Battery D, 
1st R. I. L. A., and so borne until July 12, 1863, when he returned to 
the 12th R. I. Vols.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Webb, Thomas C, Corp. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Weeden, Samuel B., Corp Co. I; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 17, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 
Welch, James, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 2, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 21, 1862, deserted at Provi- 
dence, R. 1. 
Welden, John, Priv. Co. K; Res., East Providence, R. I.; Sept. 30, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick in hospital 
until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
West, George M., Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March, 1863, detached on supply 
train and so borne until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Westcott, Bowen, Musician Co. D; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Oct. 9, 1862, 

enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Westcott, Edwabd V., 2d Lt. Co. E; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 21, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Sgt. Co. 
D; April 17, 1863, commissioned 2d Lt.; April 26, 1863, assigned to 
Co. E; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Whipple, Arlon M., Sgt. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 17, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. i3, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 
Whipple, Barton J., Corp. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 1, 1863, promoted Corp.; May 
12, 1863, detached on supply train and so borne until June, 1863; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 
Whipple, Charles F., Sgt. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp.; 
March 7, 1863, promoted Sgt.; Jan., 1863, sent to hospital and borne 
as absent sick until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Whipple, Edward M., Priv. Co. H; Res., North Providence, R. I.; Sept. 
19, 1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 19, 1862, detailed 
for duty in Ambulance Corps and so borne until April, 1863; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 
Whipple, Edwin M. See Edward M. Whipple. 

Whipple, James C, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. 1.; Sept. 17, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as wagon master from 
Oct. 24, 1862, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
Whipple, James L., Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
May 1, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



384 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Whipple, Lowbey, Priv. Co. H; Sept. 15, 1862, enrolled at Scituate, R. L; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Whipple, Lyman, Sgt. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 11, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp.; 
June 24, 1863, promoted Sgt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Whipple, Nathaniel B., 1st Sgt. Co. I; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 8, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Sgt.; 
April 26, 1863, promoted 1st Sgt. Borne as Brig, clerk from March 
27, 1863, until April, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

White, Anan, Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

White, Christopher T., Corp. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 23, 1862, appointed Corp.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

White, John H., Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 30, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

White, Pardon B., Priv. Co. D; Res., Little Compton, R. 1.; Sept. 11, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Feb. 16, 1863, detached as provost 
guard and so borne until May, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

White, William H., Corp. Co. I; Sept. 16, 1862, enrolled at Providence, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Whiting, Joseph C, Jr., 2d Lt. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served at Sgt.; Jan. 
1, 1863, promoted 1st Sgt; May 23, 1863, commissioned 2d Lt.; June 
30, 1863, mustered in as 2d Lt. to date June 2, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Whiting, Samuel S., Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Oct. 1, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, severely 
wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent 
sick in hospital until Jan. 15, 1863, when he died at Portsmouth Grove 
Hospital from effects of wounds. 

Whitman, Hiram, Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Sept. 22, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Missing since the battle of 
Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. 

Whitman, Jasper C, Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 10, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at Fred- 
ericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick in hospital until July, 1863; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Whitmarsh, Leander F., Priv. Co. H; Sept. 15, 1862, enrolled at North 
Providence, R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Wickes, William L., Priv. Co. A; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 7, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, severely wounded 
in thigh at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., and borne as absent sick 
in hospital until April, 1863; April, 1863, detached for service in In- 
valid Corps and so Dorne until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Wight, Charles A., Sgt. Co. K; Res., Pascoag, R. I.; Aug. 22, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 385 

Wight, William H. See William H. White. 

Wilbur, Edward J., Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 11, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 23, 1862, killed by accident on 
railroad. 

Wilbur, Samuel G., Priv. Co. I; Res., Scituate, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, en- 
rolled. Borne as sick in hospital from April 17, 1863, until June, 
1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Wilcox, Horatio N., Priv. Co. G; Res., Tiverton, R. I.; Sept. 10, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service at 
Nicholasville, Ky., from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Wilcox, William, Priv. Co. I; Res., Exeter, R. I.; Sept. 15, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 2, 1862, sent to hospital and borne as 
absent sick until March 24, 1863, when he returned to regiment; July 
29, 1863, mustered out. 

Wilder. Frank J., Priv. Co. A; Res., Foster, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan., 1863, sent to hospital, 2d Div. 
9th A. C. A. of P., Windmill Point, Va., and borne as absent sick until 
Jan. 26, 1863, when he died. 

Willett, Peter. Priv. Co. B; Res., Providence, R. I.; Sept. 26, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862,mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 7, 1863, until July, 1863. Rejoined the regiment; July 29, 1863, 
mustered out. 

Williams, Edwin P., Priv. Co. H; Sept. 23, 1862, enrolled at North Provi- 
dence, R. 1.; Oct. 13, 1862, mastered in; March 27, 1863, deserted. 
Arrested and sent to the 7th R. I. Reg't to serve out term; Dec. 13, 
1863, taken up on rolls of Co. C, 7th Reg't. Records of the 7th R. I. 
Inf. state that Edwin P. Williams was mustered out of Co. H, 12th 
R. I. Inf. Sept. 20, 1864. 

Williams, Gilbert O., Priv. Co. K; Res., Burrillville, R. I.; Aug. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Nov. 1, 1862, detached for ser- 
vice in Ambulance Corps and so borne until March, 1863; March 11, 
1863, died of disease in hospital at Newport News, Va. 

Williams, James A., 2d. Lt. Co. H; Res., Pawtucket, R. 1.; Sept. 24, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Sgt; June 
3, 1863, promoted to 2d Lt. to date from June 1, 1863. Mustered in 
as 2d Lt. to date from June 15, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Williams, Stephen, Priv. Co. D; Res., Newport, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Willis, Moses A., Priv. Co. E; Res., Warren, R. I.; Sept. 19, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Wilmarth, Jerry, Priv. Co. D; Oct. 3, 1862, enrolled at Providence, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, slightly wounded in hand at 
Fredericksburg, Va.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Wilmarth, Joseph, 1st Sgt. Co. F; Sept. 25, 1862, enrolled at Cumberland, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally seryed as Sgt.; March 7, 
1863, promoted 1st Sgt.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 
25 



386 HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 

Wilson, George, Musician Co. F; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Oct. 14, deserted at Providence, 
R. I. 

Wilson, William, 1st. Sgt. Co. G; Sept. 17, 1862, enrolled at Warwick, 
R. I.; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Corp. Co. I; 
Jan. 1, 1863, promoted Sgt. and transferred to Co. G; April 17, 1863, 
promoted 1st Sgt. Borne on detached service at Nicholasville, Ky., 
from April 7, 1863, until July, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Winchester, Charles M., 2d Lt. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Originally served as Sgt.; 
May 29, 1863, commissioned 2d Lt. and mustered in as such to date 
June 15, 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Winslow, Ambrose, Priv. Co. K; Res., East Providence, R. I.; Sept. 30, 
1862, enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered 
out. 

Winslow, Ferdinand, Priv. Co. E; Res., Barrington, R. I.; Sept. 27, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; March 25, 1863, detached on am- 
munition train and so borne until June 15, 1863, when he returned to 
regiment; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Wood, George W., Priv. Co. A; Res., East Greenwich, R. I.; Oct. 6, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Jan. 15, 1863, died of disease at 
camp near Falmouth, Va. 

Wood, Horace B., Priv. Co. G; Res., Coventry, R. I.; Sept. 4, 1862, en- 
rolled. Name not found on rolls of War Dept. as of Co. G, 12th R. I. 
Inf. 

Wood, John, Priv. Co. G; Res. Portsmouth, R. I.; Sept. 17, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Dec. 1, 1862, until July 29, 1863, when he joined the regiment and was 
mustered out. 

Wood, Phares, Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 16, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Woodbury, Charles H., Corp. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. !.; Oct. 10, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; May 1, 1862, promoted Corp.; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Woodward, Albert A., Sgt. Co. K; Res., Pascoag, R. I.; Aug. 21, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; Dec. 13, 1862, wounded at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, Va.; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Worden, William D., Priv. Co. G; Res., Hopkinton, R. I.; Sept. 23, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Feb. 8, 1863, until June 25, 1863, when he was discharged from insane 
hospital by order. 

Wright, John, Priv. Co. D; Res., New Shoreham, R. I.; Sept. 25, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne as sick in hospital from 
Dec. 29, 1862, until April 3, 1863, when he was discharged for dis- 
ability at Washington, D. C. 

Wright, William H. See William H. White. 



RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 



387 



Wyman, John K., Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. I.; Oct. 11, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in. Borne on detached service as 
provost guard 2d Div. 9th A. C. from Feb. 16, 1863, until May, 1863; 
July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Yelding, Austin, Priv. Co. D; Oct. 7, 1862, enrolled at Providence, R. I.; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Yost, Charles, Priv. Co. B; Res., South Kingstown, R. I.; Sept. 9, 1862, 
enrolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Young, Francis, Priv. Co. F; Res., Cumberland, R. I.; Sept. 4, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

Young, William; F., Priv. Co. B; Res., Cranston, R. I.; Sept. 18, 1862, en- 
rolled; Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 

.Zuilx, Henry, Priv. Co. C; Res., Providence, R. 1.; Oct. 6, 1862, enrolled; 
Oct. 13, 1862, mustered in; June 19, 1863, sent to hospital and borne 
as absent sick until July 1863; July 29, 1863, mustered out. 




Battle Flag op the Twelfth Rhode Island Volunteers. 



INDEX 



Abbott, John P., Capt, 58, 130, 276. 
Adams, George W., Lieut., 232. 
Adams, Silas, Lieut.-Col., 119. 
Alexander, Christopher H., Capt, 

58, 130, 144, 186, 254. 
Allard, Thomas B., Col., 55, 56. 
Allen, James H., Capt., 130, 165, 

189, 254. 
Andrews, Charles H., 215. 
Andrews, Stephen H., Capt., 55. 
Armington, James H., Col., 129. 
Arnold, William, 305. 
Arnold, William A., Capt., 50. 
Austin, George W., 177. 
Atwell, Samuel Y., Hon., 303. 
Babbitt, John W., Col., 55, 56. 
Babcock, Samuel, Sergt., 141. 
Bacon, Edward F., Lieut., 58, 130, 

208. 
Baker, Charles M., Hon., 304. 
Ballou, Daniel R., Lieut., 58, 135, 

144, 163, 180, 242, 276, 292. 
Ballou, Francisco M., Lieut., 78, 

130, 142, 280. 
Barksdale, William, Gen., 25, 46. 
Belcher, Andrew M., 15, 78. 
Beauregard, Pierre G. T., Gen., 279. 
Berry, Nathaniel S., Gov., 19. 
Birney, David B., Gen., 53. 
Bland, Elbert, Lieut.-Col., 47. 
Bliss, Zenas R., Col., 55, 56. 
Bloodgood, Horace S., Lieut., 50, 

231. 
Boone, Daniel, 96, 99, 112, 192, 251. 
Bowen, James A., Lieut., 130. 
Bowen, Nicholas, 104. 
Boyle, Jeremiah T., Gen., 123, 124. 
Braddock, Edward, Gen., 96. 



Brainard, Wesley, Capt, 27. 

Bramlette, J. T., 153. 

Breckinridge, John P., Gen., 251. 

Briggs, H. S., Gen., 42. 

Briggs, Richard A., Lieut., 58, 276. 

Brooks, W. T. H., Gen., 42. 

Brown, D. Russell, Hon., 287. 

Brown, Edward P., Capt, 268. 

Brown, John, 128. 

Browne, Chad, 303. 

Browne, George H., Col., 6, 20, 38, 
55, 56, 57, 58, 76, 107, 11, 115, 130, 
131, 137, 140, 142, 147, 149, 151, 
154, 157, 159, 160, 171, 181, 188, 
198, 227, 230, 238, 239, 241, 243, 
248, 250, 253, 256, 257, 258, 259, 
262, 263, 264, 268, 273, 276, 277, 
303, 304. 

Browne, Keyes D., 304. 

Browning, Beriah G., Lieut., 130, 
212. 

Browning, Robert, 285. 

Bryan, William, 284. 

Buchanan, James, President, 303. 

Buckley, William W., Capt., 55, 59. 

Bucklin, George, Lieut., 58, 130. 

Buckner, Simon B., Gen., 106, 114, 
116, 117. 

Burgess, Jesse W., Sergt., 58. 

Burns, William W., Gen., 52. 

Burnside, Ambrose E., Gen., 3, 21, 
22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 33, 
44, 45, 49, 51, 52, 53, 58, 69, 70, 
72, 73, 81, 82, 86, 95, 96, 101, 105, 
108, 110, 111, 115, 116, 118, 119, 
122, 123, 124, 126, 129, 132, 137, 
138, 139, 143, 161, 162, 164, 174, 
181, 202, 203, 209, 246, 256, 277. 



390 



HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 



Bush, Mr., 251, 252. 

Cabell, Henry Coalter, Col., 45, 46. 

Caldwell, John C, Gen., 36. 

Carpenter, Adelaide (Everett), 307. 

Carpenter, Benoni, Surgeon, 130, 
307, 308. 

Carpenter, Caleb, 307. 

Carpenter, Frank H., 307. 

Carpenter, Hannah (George), 307. 

Carpenter, William, 305. 

Carter, Jesse M., Capt, 120, 121. 

Carter, J. W., Col., 46. 

Carter, Samuel P., Gen., 95, 100, 
101, 106, 108, 111, 112, 114, 118, 
119, 120, 121, 152, 153, 253, 255. 

Casey, Silas, Gen., 9, 10, 18, 199, 
239, 263, 265, 305. 

Chappell, Matthew N., Lieut., 130. 

Cheney, Edward S., Capt., 58. 

Clark, William S., Col., 55. 

Clarke, John L., Lieut. (Quarter- 
master), 78, 80, 130, 225, 238. 

Clarke, William H., 200. 

Clay, Henry, 88, 89, 90, 101, 145, 
187, 188. 

Clay, James, 89, 187. 

Clay, John, 89, 90. 

Clarke, R. S., Col., 126. 

Cleveland, Grover, President, 284. 

Cobb, Thomas R., Gen., 41, 46, 47, 
48, 219. 

Coffin, Carleton C. C, 27, 41. 

Cole, Luther, Jr., Lieut, 58, 130. 

Cook, B. F., Col., 47. 

Cooke, George Lewis, Gen., 136. 

Coombs, Leslie, Gen., 188, 250. 

Couch, Darius N., Gen., 34, 37, 43, 
50, 54, 73, 231. 

Craft, General, 193. 

Crawford, R. Clay, Capt., 153, 154. 

Cullum, George W., Gen., 23, 25. 

Cuthbert, G. B., Capt., 47. 

Cutts, J. M., Capt., 53. 

Danforth, Keyes, 304. 

Davis, George F., 128. 

Davis, Jefferson, 1. 

Dean, Sidney, Hon., 197, 198. 

Dearth, John W., 128. 



Delanah, Albert W., Lieut., 130, 

198, 214. 
Denison, Frederic, 286. 
De Saussure, W. D., Col., 47. 
De Russey, Gustavus A., 28. 
De Volve, Warren N., Sergt, 58, 

276. 
Dexter, Theodore F., 225. 
Dickenson, George, Lieut., 37, 50, 

54, 55. 
Dix, John A., Gen., 73, 77, 80, 82, 

139, 141, 149, 183, 247. 
Doull, Alexander, Major, 50. 
Duke, Basil W., Gen., 126. 
Durell, George W., Capt, 148. 
Dwight, Gamaliel L., Lieut, 269. 
Dyer, Cyrus G., Major, 15, 57, 130, 

149, 150, 273. 
Eddy, Amasa F., Commissary 

Sergt., 242. 
Egan, John, Lieut., 55. 
Ellsworth, Elmer E., Col., 200, 24L 
Ericsson, John, 182. 
Fales, Edmund W., Lieut., 130, 165. 
Ferrero, Edward, Gen., 35, 37, 38, 

42, 54, 55, 56. 
Field, David, 308. 
Field, Edward, 4. 
Field, Elizabeth (Earl), 308. 
Field, Phebe, 308. 
Field, Samuel W., Rev. (Chaplain), 

130, 147, 200, 211, 222, 242, 308. 
Fiser, John C, Col., 46. 
Fisher, Amanda (Potter), 306. 
Fisher, James, 306. 
Fletcher, Samuel M., Assistant 

Surgeon, 130. 
Frank, John D., Capt, 51, 232. 
Franklin, William B., Gen., 24, 27, 

34, 35, 41, 42, 43, 49, 50, 51, 52, 

53, 59, 70, 138, 204, 245, 271, 273, 

274, 275. 
French, William H., Gen., 34, 36, 

41, 43, 44, 59. 
Fry, Thomas W., Surgeon, 124. 
Getty, George W., Gen., 42, 44, 54, 

56, 231. 
Goddard, Robert H. I., Col., 53. 



INDEX 



391 



Goggin, James M., Major, 46, 48. 
Good, James J., Corp., 14. 
Grant, Joseph W., 3, 189, 253. 
Grant, Ulysses S., Gen., 85, 110, 

151, 152, 160, 253. 
Greene, John, 305. 
Greer, David H., Dr., 304. 
Griffin, Charles, Gen., 55. 
Griffin, Simon G., Col., 55, 56, 93, 

107, 111, 141, 147, 189. 
Grigsby, J. "Warren, Col., 115. 
Gurry, Edward F., 223. 
Hall, Norman J., Gen., 28. 
Halleck, Henry W., Gen., 24, 30, 73, 

82, 85, 95, 110, 126. 
Hancock, Winfield S., Gen., 34, 36, 

41, 43, 44, 59. 
Hanson, Charles S., Col., 121, 122. 
Hardie, James A., Gen., 53. 
Harriman, Walter, Col., 55. 
Harris, William, 305. 
Hartranft, John F., Gen., 55. 
Hartsuff, George L., Gen., 112, 114, 
115, 116, 117, 118, 120, 121, 123, 
124. 
Hays, William, Lieut-Col., 28. 
Hazard, John G., Capt, 50, 51, 231, 

232. 
Hendershot, Robert H., 202. 
Higley, J. P., Capt., 119, 120, 121, 

228, 229, 230. 
Hobson, Edward H., Gen., 117, 119, 

123, 124, 125. 
Holcombe, Dr., 264. 
Hooker, Joseph, Gen., 24, 27, 44, 
55, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 137, 138, 204, 
232, 246, 275. 
Hopkins, Stephen M., Lieut., 58, 

165, 276. 
House, Erwin, Rev., 128, 209, 210. 
Howard, Oliver O., Gen., 30, 42, 44. 
Hubbard, William E., Capt., 58, 78, 

130, 142, 185, 270, 279. 
Humphreys, Andrew A., Gen., 42, 

44, 51, 59, 231, 275. 
Humphreys, Lewis H., 130. 
Huntington, Samuel, Judge, 303. 
Hunt, Henry J., Gen., 27, 49, 51. 



Hutchins, Robert A., Capt., 56. 

Hutchinson, Prosper K., Dr., 244. 

Jackson, Thomas J., Gen., 22. 

Jenckes, Arnold A., 9. 

Jenkins, N. H., 219. 

Johns, Bishop, 264. 

Judah, H. M., Gen., 116, 118, 119. 

Kasserow, Capt., 50. 

Kautz, Augustus V., Col., 108, 114, 

117, 127. 
Kelton, J. C, Col., 73. 
Kennedy, J. D., Col., 47. 
Kershaw, Joseph B., Gen., 47, 48. 
Kimball, Moranda, 5. 
Kimball, Nathan, Gen., 36, 43. 
King, William H., Lieut., 130, 281. 
Lapham, Oscar, Capt., 130, 165, 198, 

215, 244, 261. 
Lawton, George F., Lieut., 58, 276. 
Lee, Robert, Gen., 21, 22, 26, 28, 45, 
59, 138, 158, 160, 163, 203, 237, 
261, 270, 277. 
Lidgewood, Mrs., 304. 
Lincoln, Abraham, President, 3, 71, 

138, 163, 167, 224. 
Lindsey, William H., Sergt.-Major, 

5, 6. 
Longfellow, Henry W., 212. 
Longstreet, James, Gen., 22, 23, 35, 

41, 42, 43, 59. 
Longstreet, James M., Capt., 130, 

151, 177, 198, 204, 219, 268, 273. 
Lossing, Benson J., 43. 
Luce, William H., Lieut.-Col., 46. 
Lydig, P. M., Capt., 52, 53. 
Manchester, Theodore A., 211, 212, 

214. 
Mason, Rodney, Gen., 193. 
Mason, William, 205, 206, 220. 
Matteson, Lewis J., 215. 
McClellan, George B., Gen., 4, 21, 

163. 
McKinley, William, President, 285. 
McLaws, Lafayette, Gen., 45, 46, 

47. 
McMillan, Robert, Col., 47, 48. 
Meade, George G. } Gen., 35, 36, 51, 
52, 53, 59. 



392 



HISTORY OP THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 



Merrill, Mr., 225, 226. 

Meagher, Thomas F., Gen., 34, 36, 

44, 205, 220. 
Meigs, Montgomery C, Gen., 23. 
Milne, Joseph S., Lieut., 50, 231. 
Mindil George, Col., 240, 263. 
Monaghan, Cornelius, 5. 
Moore, Colonel, 226, 227. 
Morgan, Charles H., Col., 50. 
Morgan, John H., Gen., 105, 111, 

112, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 

121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 

155, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 193, 

209, 210, 226, 227, 251, 254, 255, 

256, 289. 
Morgan, Richard C, Col., 126, 232. 
Morrow, Thomas Z., Lieut-Col., 

115. 
Nagle, James, Gen., 24, 35, 37, 38, 

42, 55, 56, 57, 58, 93, 100, 107, 141, 

147, 189, 268, 272. 
Najac, Munson H., Lieut, 130. 
Nance, James D., Col., 47. 
Palmer, John B., Gen., 106. 
Palmer, Oliver H., Col., 36. 
Parke, John G., Gen., 51. 
Parker, Alfred, 210. 
Patterson, Horace, 107, 184. 
Peckham, Fenner H., Jr., Lieut., 130. 
Pegram, John, Gen., 105, 114, 115. 
Pendleton, James M., Lieut., 58. 
Penrose, Lieut., 264. 
Perkins, Augustus S., Capt., 27. 
Perry, A. F., 128. 
Perry, E. A., Gen., 25. 
Perry, Oliver H., Commodore, 128. 
Perry, Oliver H., Capt., 128, 130. 
Phillips, Colonel, 46, 47. 
Phillips, John J., Capt., 130. 
Phillips, Wendell, 136. 
Pierce, Franklin, President, 303. 
Pollard, Joseph, Lieut., 58, 276. 
Pope, John, Gen., 163, 237, 261. 
Potter, Charles H., Lieut., 58, 130, 

178. 
Potter, Robert B., Gen., 54, 55. 
Pitman, Joseph S., Lieut.-Col., 3. 
Ransom, Robert, Gen., 35. 



Ratliff, William, Lieut., 46. 
Rhodes, William B., Capt, 152. 
Roberts, John S., Lieut., 58. 
Roemer, Jacob, Capt., 150. 
Rogers, William C, Capt., 130, 177, 

178, 204. 
Rosecrans, William S., Gen., 86, 

112, 117. 
Richardson, Erastus, 242, 279, 283, 

291, 295. 
Richardson, George E., 201. 
Richmond, Lewis, Lieut.-Col., 72, 

132. 
Salter, Captain, 229. 
Salisbury, Arnold, Lieut., 130. 
Sayles, Welcome B., Col., 24. 
Schermerhorn, J. Maus, Mrs., 304. 
Scott, Elias F., Capt., 108. 
Scott, Walter A., 231. 
Semple, A. C, Capt., 115. 
Shackelford, James M., Gen., 119, 

125, 126, 127. 
Shaw, Elizabeth (Williams), 306. 
Shaw, Howard A., 306. 
Shaw, James (1st), Capt., 304. 
Shaw, James, Gen. (2d), 304. 
Shaw, James, Gen). (3d), 130, 135, 

136, 137, 139, 141, 142, 145, 146, 

149, 151, 156, 157, 159, 160, 183, 

207, 254, 257, 304, 305, 306. 
Shaw, James (4th), 306. 
Shaw, Walter A., 306. 
Sigel, Franz, Gen., 135. 
Sigfried, Joshua K., Gen., 55, 56. 
Slicer, Thomas R., 304. 
Smith, James Y., Governor, 131. 
Smith, Kirby, Gen., 193. 
Smith, William F., Gen., 52, 53, 

74, 141. 
Sorrel, G. Moxley, Major, 47. 
Spink, George A., Capt., 130, 158. 
Sprague, William, Governor, 1. 
Stackhouse, E. T., Capt, 47. 
Staples, Carleton A., Rev., 304. 
Stone, Edwin W., 4, 16. 
Stoneman, George, Gen., 35. 
Stevens, A. F., Col., 18, 19, 240, 263. 



INDEX 



393 



Sturgis, Samuel D., Gen., 24, 34, 
35, 37, 38, 41, 44, 54, 56, 57, 58, 
59, 95, 104, 111, 114, 147, 151, 152. 

Sumner, Edwin V., Gen., 23, 24, 27, 
31, 32, 36, 41, 42, 43, 44, 49, 50, 
52, 54, 59, 70, 73, 138, 204. 

Sumner, Seth, 212. 

Swain, Leonard, Rev., 130. 

Sykes, George, Gen., 42. 

Tabor, George H., Lieut., 58, 130. 

Taft, Judge, 128. 

Tennyson, Alfred, 285. 

Thain, Eugene M., 9. 

Thompson, Colonel, 28. 

Thrasher, Charles W., Capt., 238. 

Tillinghast, Henry M., Lieut., 130. 

Tillinghast, Pardon E., 199, 237, 
256, 280, 292. 

Tod, David, Governor, 126. 

Townsend, Eugene D., Gen., 70. 

Tompkins, Charles H., Gen., 49. 

Tyler, Erastus B., Gen., 42. 

Tyler, Robert u., Gen., 28, 49. 

Twiggs, David E., Gen., 3. 

Van Slyck, Nicholas, Col., 304. 

Vernon, Thomas, Rev., 307. 

Viall, Nelson, Gen., 129, 307. 



Washington, George, President, 96. 

Waterman, Richard, 305. 

Waterman, Richard, Capt., 50, 194. 

Weaver, John H., Lieut., 130. 

West, Benjamin G., Lieut., 210. 

Westcott, Edward V., Lieut., 130. 

Westcott, Stukely, 304. 

Whiting, Joseph C, Jr., Lieut., 130. 

Whipple, James, 225. 

Willcox, Orlando B., Gen., 24, 34, 

43, 95, 100, 106, 108, 231. 
Williams, James A., Lieut., 130. 
Williams, Roger, 128, 304. 
Winchester, Charles M., Lieut., 

128, 130, 197, 212, 214. 
Winchester, Henry, 199. 
Wirz, Henry, Capt., 224. 
Wolford, Captain, 157. 
Wolford, Frank, Col., 95, 117, 118, 

120, 121, 123, 124, 125, 127, 155, 

156, 157, 158, 159, 230, 254. 
Wright, Dexter R., Col., 10, 13, 14, 

18, 240, 243, 263, 264, 267. 
Wright, Horatio G., Gen., 81, 100. 
Zook, Samuel K., Col., 36. 
Zollicoffer, F. K., Gen., 112, 254. 



ORGANIZATIONS 



Connecticut : 
Fifteenth, 14, 15, 18, 240, 263. 
First Artillery, 49. 

Florida: 

Eighth, 25. 
Georgia: 

Eighteenth, 46, 47. 

Georgia, 46. 

Phillips's Legion, 46, 47. 

Sixteenth, 47. 

Twenty-fourth, 24, 47. 



Kentucky : 

Eighth Cavalry, 118. 
First Cavalry (Wolford's), 108, 
117, 120, 155, 156, 159, 230, 254. 
Fourteenth Cavalry, 100. 
Ninth Cavalry, 118. 
Twelfth Cavalry, 118. 
Thirty-second, 115, 154, 159, 160. 

Maryland: 

Second, 35, 38 42, 55, 56, 57, 58, 
93. 



394 



HISTORY OF THE TWELFTH REGIMENT 



Massachusetts: 
First Battery, 51. 
Nineteenth, 28. 
Sixth, 8. 

Thirty-fifth, 35, 42, 55. 
Twentieth, 28, 29. 
Twenty-eighth, 34. 
Twenty-first, 35, 42, 55. 

Michigan: 

Seventh, 28, 29. 

Mississippi: 

Eighteenth, 25, 46. 
Seventeenth, 25, 46. 
Thirteenth, 25, 46. 
Twenty-first, 25. 

New Hampshire: 

Eleventh, 35, 42, 55, 219. 
Ninth, 35, 38, 42, 55, 56, 150. 
Sixth, 35, 37, 42, 55, 56, 93, 107, 

147, 150, 218. 
Thirteenth, 15, 18, 19, 169, 240, 

243, 263. 

New Jersey: 
Thirteenth, 12. 
Twenty-fifth, 18. 
Twenty-seventh, 18, 240, 263. 

New York: 

Eighty-eighth, 34. 
Fiftieth, 27. 

Fifty-first, 35, 42, 54, 55. 
Fifty-ninth, 221. 
First Battery, 50, 51, 232. 
Forty-second, 28. 
One Hundred and Eleventh, 244. 
One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth, 203. 
Second Artillery, 50, 109, 150. 
Sixty-ninth, 34. 
Sixty-third, 34. 



Ohio: 
Forty-fifth, 108. 
Second, 117. 
Seventh, 117, 157. 
Seventh Cavalry, 119, 121, 157, 
228. 

Pennsylvania: 

Battery D (Durell's), 148. 
Fifty-first, 35, 42, 55. 
Forty-eighth, 35, 42, 55, 56, 81, 

93, 150, 184. 
One Hundred and Sixteenth, 34. 

Rhode Island: 

Eleventh, 4, 103, 163, 219, 238. 
First Light Artillery, 50, 51, 54, 

55, 59, 152, 231, 232. 
Fourth, 232, 233, 268. 
Fourteenth Heavy Artillery, 307. 
Seventh, 21, 24, 35, 37, 42, 55, 56, 

93, 138, 143, 150, 152, 160, 221, 

249. 
Tenth, 305. 

South Carolina: 
Eighth, 47. 
Fifteenth, 47. 
Second, 47. 
Seventh, 47. 
Third, 47. 

Tennessee: 
East Tennessee First Battalion 
Artillery (Crawford's Bat- 
tery), 153, 154, 253. 

United States: 

Fourth Artillery, 37, 50, 54, 55. 
Twenty-sixth Infantry (Colored), 
307. 



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